Macbeth as an Archetype of the Devil

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In the tragic play of Macbeth, Shakespeare creates a protagonist that resembles the archetype of the devil. With Satan, leader of the forces of evil, and the Dragon, or rebel against God, from the Bible and John Milton's epic allegory Paradise Lost, these roles fit as archetypes for the protagonist, Macbeth. There is also significant ways in which Shakespeare contrasted his protagonist against the Devil.

Macbeth and Satan are characterized for being great and powerful, above the normal man or angel. 'For brave Macbeth ' well he deserves that name Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel? from Macbeth (I, ii, 16-17).The two character relates to each other for their loyalty and trust, which acknowledged them with great honor and power to make changes, whether good or bad.

'Say first for Heaven hides nothing from thy view

Nor the deep Tract of Hell say first what cause

Mov'd our Grand Parents in that happy state,

Favour'd of heav'n so highly

' He trusted to have equal'd the most High' (I, 27-40).

Once given a high position, they begin to desire more power, to become God, to become King. 'I will ascend above the heights of the Clouds, I will be like the most High' (Isaiah, 14: 14). The devil, seen as the Dragon, who rebels against God, betrays

God and fights against those who goes any challengers. 'And there appeared another wonder in Heaven, and behold a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.' (Revelation, 12: 3) 'And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought his angels,' (Revelation, 12: 7). Macbeth, does the same thing as the dragon, he rebels against the king, and tries to kill anyone who can get in his way.

?With his surcease, success that but his blow

Might be the be ? all and the end ? all here

? Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return

To plague th? inventor, this even ? handed justice.? From Macbeth (I, vii, 4-10)

Shakespeare cleverly added incomparable differences in his protagonist and the Devil. The characters may desire the same thing, but have alternative ways of doing things. For example, Satan is the leader of forces of evil, which means he is the one who has tempted others into following him.

?Had cast him out of heav?n, with all his Host

Of Rebel Angels, by whose aid aspiring

To set himself in Glory above his Peers ?

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