How Does Macbeth Develop Throughout The Play

Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare, that goes deep into problems of human nature, exploring the darker side of ambition and power. In this story a Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become King of Scotland. Macbeth later commits murder and becomes a tryant, leading to his downfall. This essay will discuss Macbeth’s character and how it develops through the play. At the start of the play, Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth have a strong supportive relationship. Lady Macbeth is boldly loyal to her husband and encourages him to take action and seize the throne, making her the driving force behind Macbeth’s descent into darkness. Although Macbeth is initially hesitant to act on her plan,

Macbeth becomes increasingly consumed with his own ambition and paranoia, causing a rift between him and his spouse. Lady Macbeth’s control over Macbeth begins to fluctuate as he becomes more independent and carries his bloodlust for power. Macbeth’s ruthlessness becomes clearly visible, in his decision to kill Banquo and attempt to kill Fleance, “I have done the deed” (3.2.14).

As Macbeth’s actions escalate, Lady Macbeth is caught up in her own guilt, causing their relationship to deteriorate further. She is completely torn apart by Macbeth’s actions, while Macbeth is numb to the violence around him. “Out, damned spot, out I say! One. Two. Why then, ‘tis time to do’t” (5.1.25-28). Due to the stress, Lady Macbeth kills herself, as Macbeth feels ashamed and compares his life to a yellow leaf, symbolizing how short life can

However, as he becomes consumed with ambition, he begins to make bad decisions. While Macbeth’s initial hesitation to act on Lady Macbeth’s plan demonstrates a certain level of admiration, his ultimate decision to go through with the murder of Duncan marks a zenith point in his character. From this point on, Macbeth is willing to engage in violent ruthless behavior in order to protect his position and maintain his power. Torwards the end of the play, Macbeth’s sense of nobility is further destroyed, as he becomes more deserpate and paranoid. He begins to rely on prophecies and the witches supernatural apparitions, demonstrating a lack of faith in himself and his own abilities, which further engages him is dishonerable