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Analysis of Macbeth s Character It is said that power corrupts, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The question is then raised as to whether it is power or quest for power which causes man s downfall. Macbeth, the protagonist of William Shakespeare s short but tragic play of the same name, starts out greatly admired with strong character. As the play progresses, his personality and actions become more deceitful, leading to his destruction. Macbeth's changing character over the course of the play can be seen in his roles a general, husband and a king. Macbeth s changing character is first evident in his role as a general.
As the curtain rises in act one, it is quickly conveyed to the audience that he is a brave general, well respected by his peers. The captain returning from battle reports of this saying, But alls too weak; for brave Macbeth [he deserves that name] (I. ii. 17 - 18) Duncan later confers his title as king of Scotland, claiming, No more that thane of Candor shall deceive our bosom interest. Go, pronounce his present death, and with his former title, greet Macbeth. (I. iii. 73 - 76) These people trust in Macbeth s strength and depend on him. However, as the play continues, Macbeth becomes ineffective as a general.
He becomes fearful at the sight of Banquo's ghost. He pretends to appear brave by saying, Thou canst say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me, (III. iv. 61 - 62) A great general such as Macbeth has for certain killed many a man, yet the murder of these two leaves him completely detached and hostile, two text-book symptoms of paranoid personality disorder (PPD), defined as unwarranted tendency to interpret the actions of other people as deliberately threatening or demeaning (Yahoo! Health) Macbeth's sinful deeds not only lead him to be fearful but cornered as well.
Seward, Malcolm and Macduff reveal Macbeth's secret murders. Now that Macbeth's secrets are out and he has no where to hide, he must to face MacDuff and meet his destiny. (V. viii) Macbeth's changing character is evident not only in his role as a general, but also in his role as a husband. Macbeth tells his wife everything and confides in her via letter. (I. v. 1 - 14) He shares his most intimate feelings and secret plans.
Macbeth even calls his wife my dearest partner of greatness. (I. v. 11) This proves the affection and trust he originally has in Lady Macbeth. When Macbeth really needs the support of another, near the end of the play, has grown distant to his wife, also suffering from mental distress. Macbeth neither continue to go to her for advice nor attempts to aid her in her time of need. He instead tells the doctor to cure her of her mental illness, seemingly not caring about his wife s state. (V. iii. 49 - 55) This lack of empathy and self-centered ness indicate that Macbeth is also suffering from Narcissistic Personality disorder, characterized by an abnormal love of self, self-centered ness, being self-absorbed, and an inability to empathize with the effects of ones behavior on others. (Yahoo!
Health) When Lady Macbeth dies, Macbeth declares, She should have died hereafter. There would have been time for such a word. (V. v. 27) Finally, Macbeth's changing character is revealed not merely in his roles as a general and a husband, but as a king as well. Macbeth is such a strong ruler that he frightens Duncan's two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, into fleeing Scotland. These men fear the wrath of their new king so intensely that they feel the need to run and hide.
Malcolm explains that This murderous shaft thats not hath yet lighted, and our safest way is to avoid aim. Therefore to horse, and let us not be dainty of leave lacking but shift away. (II. iii. 167 - 171) Macbeth s newfound royalty only sinks him deeper into PPD, exhibiting the symptoms of suspicion, concern with hidden motives, expectation to be exploited by others, inability to relax, inability to collaborate and social isolation He kills his good friend Banquo, fellow commander of the Scottish army. He hired three murderers to do the job for fear of Banquo's suspicion in the murder of Duncan. (III. iii) The more Macbeth tries to cover up, the more powerless he becomes as King. He does not succeed in killing France, Banquo s son, to whom he exhibits narcissistic jealousy caused by the witches prophecy that Banquo s offspring's would sit upon the Scottish throne, despite Macbeth s lack of posterity.
Macbeth is out of control. He winds up being murdered by MacDuff, who s wife and young son were killed by Macbeth s henchman, leaving Malcolm as ruler of Scotland. The return of the rightful heir to his throne and the riddance of the evil King Macbeth causes all to exclaim Hail king of Scotland! (V. iv. 70) The multiple roles of Macbeth as a general, a husband and a king all show his changing character throughout the tragedy. The play portrays the complete evolution of Macbeth's personality. It follows him from being a respectable person down the shameful path he takes to self-destruction through mental illness.
Everything about Macbeth falls apart and he loses control. Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Paranoid Personality Disorder, paired with the corruptive lure of power, destroyed not only Macbeth s life, but also the lives of his family and friends. Had he seemed proper medical treatment (rather had any been available) Macbeth might still be with us today. If you or anyone you know exhibits these symptoms, please contact your local library for advice on how you can help stop the spread of these painful and often tragic dramas. And remember, it s good to be king, but there s such a thing as too much of a good thing.
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Research essay sample on King Of Scotland Personality Disorder
