Ethical Issues In Macbeth

1988 Words8 Pages
One of William Shakespeare's shortest plays Macbeth, tells the story of a noble, brave and fearless general known as Macbeth who is told by three sinister witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Brainwashed by his own thoughts and greed he murders King Duncan in order to gain his place on the throne. However many problems occur as he tries to protect him self from enmity and suspicion. This causes Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to slowly become arrogant and mad, then propels them both to death. It is most likely that the play Macbeth was written during the early 16th century which was in the region of James I - King of England, who was fond of Shakespeare's work. The fact that Banquo (supposedly James I relative) is shown a place in…show more content…
a captain who fought alongside Macbeth states 'Brave Macbeth well he's deserves that name, deciding fortune with his brandished steel which smoked with bloody execution.' This suggests Macbeth truly is a respected and skilled warrior. Macbeths style of fighting is almost as if he is slicing through the enemy and not finding absolutely any resistance, destroying anyone that crosses his path. The fact that the captain is telling the king how well Macbeth fought really shows how honorable and brave he is. King Duncan acknowledges the loyalty of Macbeth, from his act of splitting Macdowlad open, showing his resilience and determination to winning the battle and therefore pronounces him next Thane of Cawdor. The awarding of Thane of Cawdor is equivalent to one of the highest medals which can be awarded in our era. The leader of the battle is normally at the back lines planing strategies and attacks. However Macbeth fights fearlessly at the front…show more content…
immediately upon Macbeths entry King Duncan calls out to him "O worthiest cousin". This is a sign of honor and respect, it can be patented as Macbeth moving up in his relationship with Duncan. The fact that he calls him cousin is a warming turn as he is suggesting him to be a member of his family. Duncan then continues to say "More is due then all can play" This shows that the King is so impressed by Macbeths work and believes he has done too much to be rewarded. At this point Macbeth begins to show his sycophantic side as he is trying to bond more with the King so he will be crowned Prince of Cumberland. He makes Duncan believe that he finds working for him is all he needs to be paid of for what he has done. Macbeth is trying to make Duncan subconsciously prefer him to increase his chance of becoming prince. In spite of that, it is clear to the audience that Macbeth is being overly nice and come across as a fake friend. However Macbeths desired fate takes a turn when the King announces his son Malcolm as Prince. This causes Macbeth to think of evil and devious thoughts as he says to him self. "Let not light see my black and deep desires" Implying that he hopes no one will know of his thoughts. The fact that Shakespeare used the words light and black could suggest two different side of Macbeths, his good and bad. This foreshadows his behavior later in the play as he gradual turn from good to evil (much like his

More about Ethical Issues In Macbeth

Open Document