Macbeth Essay

Macbeth's personality undergoes a great deal of evolution during the play. In the beginning, his companions view him as a noble and brave friend. However, as soon as he is tempted by the witches' prophesy that he will become Thane of Cawdor and king, he starts to believe he is superior to his peers and more worthy of the positions. This causes him to be distanced from the other characters. Nevertheless, despite his courage in battle, Lady Macbeth is able to manipulate him into killing King Duncan against his instincts.

Initially, Macbeth feels guilty for the murder and regrets it. Yet he acts like he is the victim, as if it was a terrible experience that targeted him. Macbeth at first seems scared of the reality he created for himself. However, once he tastes power, he desires more and is unwilling to relinquish that which he has. He becomes more commanding and confident, and even begins excluding and resisting the control of Lady Macbeth. His morals degrade as he has his friend Banquo murdered, and he becomes increasingly callous. The witches' prophesy also makes him cocky, as he believes he's invincible. 

Macbeth develops an arrogant attitude because he believes the witches' prophesy ensures his success. Eventually, Macbeth becomes willing to be violent and is determined to remain king. He is apathetic, and murders Macduff's wife and children without considering how it may affect his former friend. Macbeth's tyranny and abandonment of Lady Macbeth, as well as her own guilt, drove her to worry, madness, and ultimately suicide. Macbeth seems to imply that her untimely death inconvenienced him. He says that life is meaningless, perhaps revealing an underlying depression that tells him that his titles have no value in the end. This point is proven in the sense that once what he fears in the prophesy comes true, Macbeth becomes very frightened. He continues to try to reassure himself, but his crimes finally lead to his death.