Macbeth

In Shakespeare's play Macbeth we see the main character, Macbeth changes from a well-regarded and loyal soldier of the Scottish king to a murderous tyrant. At the start of the play Macbeth is courageous, ambitious, superstitious and devoted to his wife. These characteristics are shown through the victory against the rebels, Macbeth's trust in the witches and his letter to his wife. In Act five Macbeth becomes cruel and treacherous, insecure and distant from Lady Macbeth. The events that show this change are the murders Macbeth commits, his voluntary return to the witches and his reaction to his wife's death.

In Act one scene two, Macbeth is shown as brave and is worthy of being known as a brave person. “For brave Macbeth well he deserves that name” This proves that Macbeth is brave and he has done something to deserve it, this is also seen as praise. Also in act one scene two Macbeth is shown to be a great and ferocious warrior “Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him, till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps. This means that Macbeth is a merciless fighter who spares no enemy and sliced victim’s bodies with his sword violently.

Later in this scene Macbeth is praised again, but this time by King Duncan. “O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!” This shows that Duncan agrees with the fact that Macbeth is an amazing fighter in battle hence the term “valiant” and also that Macbeth is worthy of the King and is of noble birth, hence the term “worthy”.

Duncan can not praise Macbeth enough, he gives Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor as the previous Thane of Cawdor was deemed inferior. “No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death, And with his former title greet Macbeth.” This shows that Duncan is putting the old Thane of Cawdor to death and is giving his title to Macbeth. Again Duncan calls Macbeth worthy. “What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won.” This shows the love and respect King Duncan has for Macbeth, this is shown in the word “noble”.

In act one scene three Macbeth and Banquo are confronted by the three witches. The witches call Macbeth by his current title of Thane of Glamis. “All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!” This shows that the witches seem to have respect for Macbeth as they call him Thane of Glamis. The witches then call Macbeth Thane of Cawdor and then an even more prestigious title of King. “All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!” “All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!” This shows that the witches are not telling the truth as of yet about Macbeth. When the witches state this part of the prophecy Macbeth