Macbeth: Not All Men Are Heroic

Macbeth: Not All Men Are Heroic

Macbeth was written while when Scotland lacked a good Leader to defend it from a Norwasian invasion. During this dangerous situation, Macbeth stood out as the most commanding figure by defeating the rebel army. His thrill towards the witches' prophecies all confirmed his hopes of becoming the King and replacing

King Duncan, who lacked the power and courage to save his country from this invasion. In this essay, I will discuss Macbeth during the many experiences that he had faced and come across and I will show how these experiences and pressures that he faced helped with the conclusion and theme of the play which yet has to be understood. The first signs that tell us of Macbeth's thoughts of becoming King were found when the King proclaimed his son, Malcolm, the heir to the Scottish throne, and Macbeth considered murder to overcome this obstacle that would prevent him from becoming the King.

The prince of Cumberland! That is a step

On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,

For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires!

Let not light see my black and deep desires.

The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be,

Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.

(Act 1:Scene 4:ln.55)

When Lady Macbeth heard of her husband's success and read the letter, we almost immediately feel that a new source of power had appared in the drama. Her words reflected a great knowledge of her husband and her practical approach to problems as seen in the following two verses.

Glacis thou art, and Cowdor, and shalt be

What thou are promised. Yet do I fear thy nature.

It is too full o' the milk of human kindness

To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great;

Art not without ambition, but without

The illness should attend it. What though wouldst highly,

That wouldst though holily;wouldst not play false

And yet wouldst wrongly win. Thou'ldst have, great Glacis

That which cries"Thus though must do,"if though have it;

And that which rather thou dost fear to do

Than wishest should be undone. Hie thee hither,

That I may pour my spirits in thine ear

And chastise with the valor of my tongue

All that impedes thee from the golden round

Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem

To have thee crowned withal.

(Act 1:Scene 5:ln.14

O, never Shall sun that morrow see!

Your face, my thane, is a book where men

May read strange matters. To beguile the time,

Look like the time;bear welcome in your eye,

Your hand, your tongue, look like the innocent flower,

But be the serpent under't.