Term 3 Week 3 - Changes in the Representation of Macbeth

Trace the changes that we see in Macbeth from the opening scenes when he is presented to us as "brave Macbeth", the hero, to the "tyrant" Macbeth we see described by Lennox in Act 3, Scene 6 and by Malcolm in Act 4, Scene 3, lines 67-68. Consider both how he is described by others and how the play positions readers to view him through his actions and his own words.

It is ultimately Macbeth’s actions as opposed to his real intentions and motivations that promote the way he is viewed by other characters in the play. It is clearly evident when the play commences that Macbeth is very highly regarded. As a result of his triumph over the Norwegian army, other characters and even the King have very high and unshakable respect for the duty Macbeth has paid to his country and the courage he has displayed for the safety of his King. He is constantly regarded as ‘valiant’, ‘noble’ and ‘brave’, all in which are admirable qualities for any man or ‘worthy gentlemen’ to be synonymous with. Although, as the play progresses, it is Macbeths fatal flaw of unchecked ambition that tends to rule his decisions and leads him to be the architect of his own misfortune. By the time in which Macbeth has killed Duncan, thrown Scotland into a state of disorder and killed Duncan, Macbeth descends by harrowing stages to the point of no return. Amidst all of Macbeth’s wrongdoings, the internal workings of his mind begin to show which therefore encourages characters to question Macbeths position and the extent to which he is responsible for the disorder. Despite Macbeth having malicious thoughts even whilst he was being commended for his admirable qualities at the beginning of the play, his actions were not a reflection of his thoughts and thus keeping him safe. If Macbeth had maintained this he would have a greater chance of escaping the suspicion various characters tie to him. Malcolm expresses his thoughts of Macbeth in light of his unusual and suspicious behaviour. He says, ‘I grant him ‘bloody’, ‘luxurious’, ‘avaricious’, ‘deceitful’...’smacking of every sin that has a name.’ This description of Macbeth heavily contrasts that in which he is represented at the beginning of the play indicating to the audience that various characters are progressively becoming less ignorant of the tyrant Macbeth has become driven by his own pride and ambition.