Macbeth Essay

Ah yes, everybody loves a good English literature essay. Especially when it is timed and assessed!!

How does Shakespeare present the character of Macbeth?

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Shakespeare alludes to the idea that despite his many positive attributes at the start of the play, Macbeth’s actions and sins of the Jacobean era render him a character far from heroism. His downward progression throughout the play instead paints him as a tragic hero.

Aristotle’s popular theory prevalent in the Jacobean era is that of the concept of a tragic hero. This begins with a character of high status presented as an honourable hero, which is exactly the first impressions of Macbeth on the audience. When recounting a battle, Macbeth is seen as,” valour’s minion,” by one of the soldiers. This metaphor conveys the general idea that Macbeth was a Scottish general that was praised and respected for his prowess on the battlefield. The word ‘minion’ suggests that Macbeth is someone that is inferior to a higher power and despite his high status, he is still under the control of the king. This refers to the Jacobean philosophy of ‘The Great Chain of Being’. An audience at the time would understand that a hierarchy was already set by God and any desire to infiltrate a position would be sinful. Due to this concept, Macbeth may have been seen as a hero at the start of the play as he is shown to be loyal to his kinsman and king Duncan. Not only this but ‘valour’ further supports the idea that Macbeth is a righteous man so his violent acts on the battlefield can be regarded as heroic and courageous. However, there is subtle foreshadowing at the start of the play where Shakespeare hints at Macbeth’s fall from heroism. This includes the repetition of violence and the connotations of blood. Blood was presented as the aftermath of Macbeth’s stoic actions, but one may consider it to be a connection with murder, anguish and violence. Macbeth is related to these themes with his brutal execution of a traitor where he,” unseamed him nave to chops.” All this is Shakespeare suggesting the idea that certain aspects of Macbeth’s nature may overcome him, straying him away from the path of a hero.

This build up is payed off when Macbeth finally detaches himself from the audience. He has become a man that can no longer be considered a hero as his hubristic and complacent nature had consumed him. Macbeth had a newfound ideology where,” the very firstlings of [his] heart shall be the firstlings of [his] hand.” This signifies the loss of Macbeth’s moral compass and the audience’s sympathy as his entitled and egotistical manner created a disconnect with those who control their hamartia with morals and the understanding of consequences. This quote is extremely ironic as it is normalised to believe that following the “firstlings of [your] heart” is the most virtuous and truthful manner in which to carry out one’s life. In Macbeth’s case however, it has led him down a what is considered as a sinful path, especially to a Jacobean audience. Shakespeare presents Macbeth even further from heroism by allowing him to usurp the throne, disregarding the ‘Divine Right of Kings’. This is the highest form of treason, so Macbeth’s appalling actions are seen as treacherous. This is supported by the fricative sounds of ‘firstling’ which when preformed on stage, will create an aggressive hiss. This tone highlights Macbeth’s snake like and distrustful nature.

Despite all this, Macbeth’s bravery does permeate through the play, especially in Act5 Scene3 Shakespeare includes hints of his former heroism. Macbeth’s proclamation of,” the heart I bear shall never sag with doubts nor shake with fear,” may invoke sympathy in the audience. The pathos used by Shakespeare shows the tragedy of Macbeth’s situation and it is only in his final moments, in the familiar setting of a battle field, is Macbeth able to show his former nature. The ‘heart’ imagery is used once more but in a different context, perhaps to display the change of Macbeth’s behaviour throughout the play.

In conclusion, Shakespeare presents Macbeth not as a hero but a tragic hero. His story reflects that of Lucifer. This Biblical reference shows the downfall of a once virtuous angel, similar to Macbeth’s fall from grace. This all demonstrates that despite his limited positive attributes, his hubris and his fatal flaw, ambition and lust for power, is ultimately what defines his as a character. His actions show him trying to ‘o’erleap’ the hierarchy of the Jacobean society which would have been considered a great sin by the audience. Macbeth is no hero but Shakespeare presents him as a victim of greed as someone trying to cheat their way through life to be something they are not have “planted the very seeds” of their down fall.