Macbeth Essay: Draft

      Everyone wants what they can't have and others will go to extreme measures because of greediness. What is unacceptable is allowing that strong desire control you and transform you into something you never intended to be. Macbeth by William Shakespeare talks about how an ordinary, loyal, kind-hearted man is attached with a prophecy saying he will become the thane of Cawdor. Macbeth takes advantage of the opportunity to acquire more than what he was given. As the saying goes, "give someone an inch, and they take a mile." Along the way of getting what he wants he became a cruel, cold-blooded murder. The play "Macbeth" is an example of how it is unwise to allow a change in power corrupt your personal well-being and true intentions.
      In the beginning of the play Macbeth showed numerous signs of being a trustworthy man even when faced with the idea of the murder of King Duncan. "Duncan is here on double trust: first, / because I'm his kinsman and his subject (both good / arguments against the deed) then, because I'm his host, who / should protect him from his murderer–not bear the knife" (1.7.9-12). "We'll go no further in this business. He has honored / me recently and I've won great respect from all sorts of / people. This is to be enjoyed while it's new, not cast aside so / soon" (1.7.31-34). Macbeth knows the difference between what is right and wrong and he proves that he prefers doing what is right all the time. Regardless of his morals he is very easily manipulated, especially with his wife. "Can you want the / glittering prize–the crown–yet be a selfless coward" (1.7.38-40). As Lady Macbeth attacks him that he is weak and worthless, he intends to prove her wrong and follow through with the deed. He believes it is possible to not be accused with the death of King Duncan if they act just as surprised and mourn like everyone else. Macbeth is taking actions that are slowly changing the person he is and it will only get worse with time.
      Macbeth is an example of what you can expect to happen when a change of conscience is brought onto someone. After committing King Duncan's murder, Macbeth immediately felt a load of guilt. "I won't go back! I'm afraid to think of what / I've done. I daren't look at it again!" (2.2.51-52). Macbeth obviously knows that what he has done is completely against who he is and feels horrible about the deed. He continues to remain terrified about the thought of his actions being revealed to anyone, but his wife. Not only did Macbeth kill the king to ensure his power, but he is willing to destroy anyone that knows about his plans or gets in his way. "To be thus–a king– is nothing. I must be safely thus. I fear / Banquo deeply. in his regal nature, theres a ruling element to / be feared. He's daring." (3.1.47-49) "That's that. Banquo, if your soul is bound for heaven, it will / reach there tonight. (3.1.35-36.) Macbeth, as you can see, is gradually becoming this cruel monster. In the beginning he couldn't bear killing the king, but now he doesn't think twice about killing someone who has been his companion the entire time. This shows how one mistake can alter a person entirely.
      With all of Macbeth's wrongdoings to gain power he has developed a hatred with those around him. Those who mourn from the crimes he has committed are working together to avenge him. Macduff states, "Bring this / fiend of Scotland and myself face to face! Put him at a / sword's length before me! If he should escape, we'd both need / heaven's forgiveness!" (4.3.228-231). Macduff has lost his wife, children, and servants because of Macbeth. His careless slaughters have become difficult for the nation to handle. Malcolm states, "Let's go to the king. Our army is / ready. We need to do nothing but take our leave. Macbeth is / ripe for toppling, and the powers above will find the means. / Take comfort from this fact: It's a long night that has no dawn." (4.3.232-235). Macbeth is no longer the courageous man he was in the beginning. He has become a man everyone despises. Now the country's army is determined to bring down Macbeth and destroying him and his actions for good.
      The play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare emphasizes how a person can change for the worst when they take advantage of the power they are given. The prophecy crowned him thane of Cawdor, but that wasn't enough for him and his wife. Because of that he allowed himself to travel in a different path than what he had planned for himself. The Universe has a way of keeping everything in check. For Macbeth, he faced something many like to call karma. "They said he died well and paid / his score. And so God be with him. Here comes newer / comfort" (5.7.81-83). Macbeth became a man no one, not even himself, could be proud of. William Shakespeare tells the audience that it is better to be happy with who you are and live with what you have than to be someone you aren't just for a rank in society.