Macbeth’s transformation from Brave Macbeth” to “This dead Butcher” is the focus of William Shakespeare’s play “MacBeth”. The story tells of Macbeth’s change from a brave general to a vicious murderer. At the beginning of the play, the king acknowledges Macbeth as a brave and honorable general after hearing of his great victory on the battlefield.
He promotes Macbeth to the Thane of Cawdor, which was still unknown by both Macbeth and Banquo when they came across the three weird sisters. All Hail Macbeth, hail to thee Thane of Cawdor” (I:III:51) and “All Hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (I:III:53). Macbeth was skeptical about these prophecies, however, developed faith in them when Ross, following the king’s orders, titled him Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth does not let on to anyone about his ever-increasing desire to become king. “If chance will have me king, why chance will crown me.”
(I:III:154) Macbeth tells his lady about the prophecies, and she is instantly enthusiastic about the prospect of Macbeth becoming king. “Great Glamis, Worthy Cawdor! Greater than both by the all-hail hereafter! Thy letters have transported me beyond this ignorant present, and I feel now the future is an instant.” (I:V:58) Macbeth’s desire turns to an obsession, and with Lady Macbeth, they make plans to assassinate King Duncan. However, Macbeth’s strong conscience overpowers his obsession, and he resigns from the fatal ploy. He sees a vision of a dagger drifting in the direction of Duncan’s room, which convinces him to take part in the sinful act of murder.
False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” (I:VII:92)
Macbeth is discomforted and confused after the murder of Duncan, but he does not express his emotions to anyone. Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan’s sons, flee the country in fear for their lives, leaving Macbeth to assume the role of king. After reigning as king for a little while, Macbeth becomes concerned with the continuation of his supremacy.
The weird sisters spoke of Banquo as being lesser but greater, not so happy yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings though be none” (I:III:68). This played on Macbeth’s mind for a while, and his desire proved to be too strong. His guilty conscience took over, and in an attempt to control fate, Macbeth devised a plan to kill both Banquo and his son Fleance. Macbeth was disturbed when he received word that Banquo had been murdered, but Fleance escaped. He began to hallucinate and was constantly haunted by a ghost of Banquo. During these hallucinations, in the presence of many noblemen, Macbeth revealed emotions and thoughts from deep down inside. Many noblemen now suspected him as the murderer of Duncan and Banquo.
He becomes isolated from many people, including Lady Macbeth. Macbeth’s desire to reign as king has led him to kill. His obsession drives him to revisit the weird sisters to obtain answers to his questions. Macbeth’s fatal flaw is shown clearly when the image of eight kings pass before him, with the Ghost of Banquo following. What is this so?” (IV:I:134) “Ay, sir, all this is so; but why stands Macbeth so amazedly?” (IV:I:138) It shows that he has yet to realize that he cannot control fate, and Banquo will father a line of kings no matter what he does to try and prevent it from happening.
The first of the second set of prophecies, Beware Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife,” (IV:I:77) almost instantly became apparent when Lennox brings word that Macduff has fled to England. The bluntness of his orders shows how selfish and arrogant he has become: “Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o’ the sword, his wife, his babies, and all the unfortunate souls that trace him to his line” (IV:I:165). Macbeth is prepared for the invasion by Macduff and Malcolm. His overwhelming pride causes him to feel fearless of Macduff and filled with confidence before they confront each other. However, when they do eventually meet, Macbeth does not want to fight. He has realized how ruthless he has been in his actions and how guilty he is of slaughtering many innocent people to benefit himself.
How selfish and pretentious he has been in his attempt to control fate. He is eventually slain after being too proud to concede defeat and having to kneel before his successor, the son of his first victim, Malcolm. Macbeth’s transformation from a brave general to a dead murderer was not gradual. His overwhelming pride and his inability to realize he could not play the part of God brought about his downfall.
