MacBeth

William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is a tragedy about a war hero named Macbeth, who follows his ambition with evil and who is repaid with evil. Macbeth demonstrates what can happen when one does not follow their conscience. The main character, Macbeth begins the play as a strong character that is greatly admired. Macbeth's strive for power affects every aspect of his life, and eventually leads to his death. Macbeth's wife, the three witches, and Macbeth's own ambition all play a role in his ill-fated future. However, it is difficult to determine who is responsible and whether Macbeth should be exonerated or not for his wicked deeds.

Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.

Macbeth Consulting the Vision of the Armed Head. B...

English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...

The witches and their prophecies are the first major influence on Macbeth's actions. Macbeth already knows he is Thane of Glamis, until the three witches tell him, "hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor, thou shalt be King hereafter." . After hearing this, Macbeth and Banquo, his loyal friend, find out that King Duncan has named Macbeth "Thane of Cawdor." They think about how the rest of the prophecy will come true. The witches also advise them that Banquo's son would be King one day. This is the first part onto the road of destruction for Macbeth. There is a great difference before and after Macbeth meets the witches. Their affect has changed him from the hero to a traitor and 'planted the seed of evil within him' which makes it seem as if it was his destiny for that moment to occur.

Another influence that was made by the witches was Macbeth encountering two supernatural matters. They were the appearance of the dagger and the witches' apparitions. The appearance of the dagger is the object seems to be proving the destiny the witches have given Macbeth. This had resulted from his urge...