The Change in the Public Image of Macbeth

In the Shakespearean play Macbeth, the main character is seen as a tragic hero. The character of Macbeth appears to be an extreme form of paranoia in relation to today’s society. This character changes the way the world works, by altering the natural order of his kingdom. An old man describes how the world is upside-down: “Threescore and ten I can remember well, within the volume of which time I have seen hours dreadful and things strange: but this sore night hath trifled former knowings.” (2, 4, 1-4) The public image of Macbeth changes from noble to irrational because of his actions and this can be seen through the opinions of the royal family, Banquo, and the Macduffs.

In the beginning, Macbeth is viewed by the royal family, especially King Duncan and Malcolm, as a brave and noble army general but this perspective changes throughout the play.

After Macbeth slays Macdonwald, a traitor to Scotland, he is praised by Duncan and awarded the title of the thane of Cawdor. Duncan expresses his thanks towards Macbeth when he says,

“O worthiest cousin! The sin of my ingratitude even now was heavy on me: thou art so far before, that swiftest wing of recompense is slow to overtake thee. Would thou hadst less deserv’d, the proportion both of thanks and payment, might have been mine! only I have left to say, more is thy due than more than all can pay.” (1, 4, 14-21)

When Macbeth murders Duncan and replaces him as king, his sons Malcolm and Donalbain become suspicious of him. They decided to go their separate ways to be safer from the murderer. Donalbain talks to Malcolm and says, “To Ireland, I; our separate fortune shall keep us both the safer:” (2, 3, 139-140) Malcolm later finds out that Macbeth is the killer of all these people, such as Duncan and Banquo, and he feels that this tyrant is corrupt. Along with an army of lords and other people that dislike Macbeth, Malcolm sets out to stop his rule as king of Scotland. When Macduff is given the news about his family, Malcolm encourages him by saying “Let’s make us medicines of our great revenge, to cure this deadly grief.” (4, 3, 214-215) The royal family of Duncan, Donalbain, and Malcolm changes their perception of Macbeth throughout the play.

On the other hand, Macbeth is seen by his best friend, Banquo, as an honourable man, but near his death, he suspects Macbeth is a traitor. As evidence of their respect for each other, Macbeth and Banquo fought together in the army as generals. Different characters discuss the heroic defeat of Macdonwald and Duncan says, “Dismay’d not this our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?” (1, 2 32-33) Furthermore, Banquo and Macbeth express their friendship by keeping each other company. This can be seen when they always talk together and they also meet the Three Witches together. The Third Witch says “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none: so all hail Macbeth and Banquo.” (1, 3, 67-68) Although the public is unaware of this conversation, people still see the two characters always together. Banquo’s perspective only changes right before he dies. During the murder of Banquo, his son, Fleance, escapes and he tells him to watch out for Macbeth and to avenge his death. As his last words, Banquo screams out, “O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave!” (3, 3, 15-16) Hence, the change in the public image of Macbeth is shown through the friendship of Banquo.

Likewise to the royal family, the Macduff family views the change