Macbeth: Hero or Villain?

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and in particular, analyzes how the character of Macbeth goes from being a brave loyal soldier to a murderer by the end of the play. It looks at how Macbeth is loyal to the King and serves his country as a soldier, not like the Thane of Cawdor. It also examines how at the start of the play Macbeth is ambitious, brave, superstitious and dedicated to his wife and how he becomes cruel and deceitful from the influence of Lady Macbeth. It explores the events that show this change i.e. the murders Macbeth commits, his intentional revisit to the witches and his response to his wife's death.

From the Paper:

"At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a brave and loyal soldier in King Duncan's army. He killed the enemy in the battle; the situation was very treacherous which makes him a hero. Before Macbeth appears, he is described by King Duncan as "noble" Macbeth. Macbeth is seen as a strong soldier who is trustworthy and brave, a truly laudable figure. Duncan describes him as "worthiest cousin". To the wounded sergeant, he is "Valor's minion". All of these descriptions show that Macbeth is a loyal soldier and fought for his country very well. Macbeth puts his country and life before himself. This is what a true hero is, someone who puts other people before himself."

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