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MacBeth by William Shakespeare is a play which shows the uprise of MacBeth, the treachery and his eventual downfall. Witchcraft plays a major part in MacBeth's actions and his weak character is easily manipulated. Although being an honest and brave man earlier, his ambition clouds his judgement. His life is tragic and through some terrible deeds ends in catastrophe. MacBeth is Thane of Glamis and a highly honorable and respected man.
He Is valiant and brave and was very successful fighting for his country. His honesty is unquestioned and he is looked upon favorably by the King. King Duncan awards MacBeth the title of Thane of Cawdor for his courageousness in battle. MacBeth doesn't seem to be one overwhelmed by his ambition but when met by the witches takes their ramblings to heart. 'Hail Thane of Glamis and of Cawdor and shalt be King hereafter'. These prophecies from three strangers are taken without question and probably without good judgement. Just the thought that he may be King clouds his thoughts and ambition take over.
It is Lady MacBeth though who first schemes the treachery of murdering the King. But before the murder he is still a good man and his conscience is creating serious doubts. When contemplating the terrible deed he seems to be changing his mind. 'Prithee, peace: I'll dare do all that may become a man, who dares more is none'. But encouragement from his wife and an apparition probably from the witches is enough to make MacBeth kill the King in cold blood. MacBeth is effected and manipulated by his wife 'was the hope drunk, wherein you dressed yourself has it slept since' and the witches. This weakness of mind becomes more evident as MacBeth is changed so much that is ends up a monster.
Ambition is a major part of why he was about to be manipulated. Even his close friendship to Banquo was not enough when he thought him a threat. 'Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty nature reigns that which would be feared' The witches play a huge part in Mac Beths change, due to their prophecies and apparitions. Their first meeting is a good example of how the three sisters make MacBeth seem very gullible. 'Stay you imperfect speakers, tell me more'. This meant that the witches had a lot of power over MacBeth's actions. Duncan's murder was the first terrible act unlike Mac Beths character in which sped his journey to the throne. Lady MacBeth plan to usurp the King was effective but it was the beginning of the end for MacBeth. 'Look the flower but be the serpent underneath'.
There were also unnatural acts which played a part. There was the apparition in the form of a dagger which urged him on. Then there was Duncan's horses eating each other during the night of the murder. MacBeth's intentions to kill Duncan, take the throne then rule Scotland never really goes to plan. MacBeth doesn't just murder Duncan but goes on to kill anyone his delusional mind considers a threat.
As well Scotland is in a terrible state with bad leadership and famine across the land. MacBeth was a good man to begin with and no one would doubt that. He was highly respected, even by the King himself. But after receiving a new title and a prophesy by three witches things start to change. Lady MacBeth is the first to plot treachery but MacBeth although having second thoughts commits murder.
Through pressure from his wife and the witches influence MacBeth is easily manipulated. Although Lady MacBeth plays a major part in the original murder she changes and is over come by grief. MacBeth does not though and in fact gets a lot worse. His feelings and emotions also are none existent and he has lots of people murdered for his own fears.
Yes Mac Beths weak character is easily influenced which leads to the catastrophe but at the source lies the three ugly sisters. The witches all along influenced MacBeth through prophecies and apparitions. Through black magic they attacked a good man weaknesses and lead him to disaster.
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Research essay sample on Plays A Major Thane Of Glamis
