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How Does Macbeth Change Throughout The Play

509 Words3 Pages

Anthony Ho
Ms. Barker
English 2H
3 May, 2023
Macbeth Essay William Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Macbeth is a story about change. The change in Scotland, positions of power, and most importantly, Macbeth. His desire for power changes him through these three main changes: initial state, rise to power, and downfall. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth met with the Weird Sisters, the catalysts of his change. After his destiny to be king was prophesied by them, he desired to murder King Duncan and usurp the throne. Despite his confidence on the battlefield and being seen as brave, he struggled with these inner thoughts. Macbeth knows that what he is imagining is corrupt, yet can not help but think of it. This is shown in his soliloquy: “... why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?” …show more content…

Once a brave captain, Macbeth is now looked down upon by others. His mental state is worsening, and the actions he takes from this point are despicable. He murders Macduff’s entire family without a second thought and when hearing of his wife’s death, he cares not. Macbeth has reached a point where the death of others is nothing to him. This all builds up to the final payoff of Macbeth’s character; his speech about life “... Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.” (Mac. 5.5.24-28) This declaration is Macbeth’s recognition that his life will come to an end. He has wasted his time pursuing power and glory while hurting others, seeing himself as a “poor player” whose efforts were ultimately for nothing. He no longer has anything to live for, and acknowledges that his own existence is now

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