Macbeth+Project+-+Josh+M+-+analysis

In the tragedy Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the telling of the witches' prophecies and Macbeth's responses reinforces the idea that even the greatest heroes can fall to the lowest of levels. Macbeth throughout the play underwent a transformation in which the very essence of his character changed from a kind-hearted enforcer of justice, to a murderous, psychotic, and panicked individual that represented the worst of human nature. Although Macbeth's initial rise to heroic status represented what many human beings aspire to do, such status was what led Macbeth to go on his downward spiral. Throughout the beginning of the play, Macbeth was referenced by the Sergeant and King Duncan from Act 1 as a savior of many soldiers, as well as a hero in the battle. When Duncan proclaimed Macbeth as thane of Cawdor, he remarked at how much the old thane (who betrayed the king) had fallen, yet complimented Macbeth quickly afterwards, stating: "What he [former Cawdor] hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won" (1.2.69). By receiving more praise than other characters (such as Banquo) in this scene, Macbeth's ego, in some ways, was boosted. He was still, however, represented as a hero to the reader, who initially would not gain much of an impression that Macbeth could turn into the story's villain. Banquo, in many ways, is portrayed as the opposite character of Macbeth. Banquo, while inevitably killed by Macbeth in the play, died as a hero, with his morality and character intact. Banquo was, unlike Macbeth, however, not praised as highly by Duncan. When Macbeth slipped into his killing frenzy, he did so in a fairly quick manner, which was arguably sparked by his sudden rise to heroism. While plenty of heroes can live full lives without seeing themselves tumble downwards like Macbeth did, it takes one with true character and moral values--and the power to overcome negative stimulation--to remain a hero. The witches' prophecies in Macbeth functioned as this negative stimulation for the play's hero at the start. Macbeth, who was most vulnerable due to his egotistical attitude (even in the slightest) was quickly taken down by this stimulation. Macbeth's transformation represented the best, and the worst, of human nature.