Changes In Macbeth's Relationships

In the beginning of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth’s relationships are based on loyalty, trust, and love. However, relationships don’t always survive life’s changes. Over time, a person’s motivation, circumstances, and opportunity can drastically alter their relationships with others. This happens to Macbeth when he hears the prophecy of his future power from the three sisters. Unfortunately, he becomes a cold-hearted tyrant who will eliminate anyone, even his closest friends, who get in the way of the prophecy. Throughout the play, Macbeth’s relationships with King Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macbeth start to fall apart, resulting in death. In the beginning, Macbeth’s relationship with King Duncan is a political one of loyalty and honor. As the lord of Glamis, Macbeth is a loyal subject of the king’s. As a general in the army, he loyally fights to protect the King’s kingdom against the Norwegian

At the onset of the play, Macbeth’s relationship with Lady Macbeth seems to be one of love and strength. She is the first person that he tells about the prophecy. Furthermore, upon his arrival to their home, Macbeth addresses her as “My dearest love” (1.5.61). At this point, Lady Macbeth seems to be the stronger individual of the relationship, and Macbeth seems to be weaker and more unstable. However, with the murder of King Duncan, their relationship begins to change and deteriorate. They basically switch places with one another. Macbeth becomes confident as Lady Macbeth becomes unsure and unstable. Also, Macbeth starts keeping secrets from her. Lady Macbeth has any influence over Macbeth. Towards the end of the play, Lady Macbeth commits suicide. It is obvious that Macbeth feels no remorse when he hears of her death, for he basically says that she was bound to die one day. Love is lost through their greed, ambition, and