Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the tragedy of "Macbeth" lies in the downfall and eventual transformation of a seemingly humble, trustworthy man. It discusses how Macbeth is introduced to the audience as an honest nobleman of Scotland and how by the end of the play, we gain a new insight into this complex character. No longer is Macbeth a champion of honor and righteousness, but becomes yet another figure caught in the pursuit of power and prestige. Through greed, masculinity, and deception, fate still manages to find a way of punishing Macbeth for his "witch-like" evil motivation for success.

From the Paper:

"The play opens with three witches prophesizing, which immediately establish a central theme of evil and corruption. The witches visit Macbeth to share with him the bright future ahead of him. If the prophecy were to be filled, the only way Macbeth could become king would be to eliminate the current King, King Duncan. Macbeth even comments that being a murderer would be improbable. In fact he says that this would be a "horrid image (that) doth unfix my hair against the use of nature?" However, we also begin to see a desire for achieving the kingship as he states, "If chance will have me King, why, chance may crown me, without my stir." As the play continues, Macbeth struggles to forget the witches' prediction, and ultimately decides to kill Duncan, his king. "

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