The play 'Macbeth' is a very tragic one. It is about the downfall of a hero who is led by temptation to mass murder and cruelty. Shakespeare uses various styles and techniques to display very evidently how Macbeth's character develops as the story progresses, and then we see how Macbeth turns from good to evil, from a "valiant cousin" and "worthy gentleman" to a "bloody butcher."
The first we hear of Macbeth is with praises to his name. He is called 'brave Macbeth', 'valiant cousin' and 'worthy gentleman,' fighting a war for God, king and county. We hear of further acts of bravery in Macbeth and Banquo when they repelled another assault 'as sparrows eagles' and 'the hare the lion.' These two phrases are significant because they represent bravery and to remind us of the order of the universe, nature and society in which every creature has it's appointed place.
Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.
English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...
The sleepwalking Lady MacbethFor all his gallantry, Macbeth is rewarded with the title 'thane of Cawdor' and he deserves it.
The scene is very important as we get to see opinions of Macbeth from the other characters, and all the good words leave a deep impression of respect and admiration from the reader. It can be noted that already Shakespeare has an effect on the reader, and this is an important aspect in the tragedy.
In the next scene we see the three witches upon a heath. They speak of their experiences, in particular how one wreaked havoc and devastation upon a boat in vengeance. This leaves the audience feeling quite horrified and gives one a sense of wariness, as doom seems imminent. Now Macbeth and Banquo enter, and quite appropriately the former quotes 'so foul and fair a day I have not seen', although he has just won the battle he can...