Character Sketch: Macbeth - A Duality of Valor and

Ambition
Introduction

1. Explanation of the Question

This analysis delves into the complex character of Macbeth from William
Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name. It explores the interplay between
his commendable valor as a warrior and his insatiable ambition that
ultimately leads to his downfall.

2. Reason for Choosing the Text

Macbeth is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences due

to its exploration of universal themes like ambition, power, and the corruptive
influence of guilt. Macbeth, the central character, embodies these themes in
a way that is both fascinating and tragic. By analyzing his motivations and
actions, we gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

3. Brief Explanation of Methodology

This analysis will primarily focus on the portrayal of Macbeth within the play
itself. Key passages and soliloquies will be examined to illuminate his inner
thoughts and motivations. Additionally, the interpretations of scholars and
critics will be referenced to provide a more comprehensive understanding of
the character.

Main Body

I. A Paragon of Valor

In the opening scenes of Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the title character is

portrayed as a formidable soldier, admired by both his peers and the king.
This portrayal is essential in establishing Macbeth's initial status and the
gravity of his eventual downfall. Descriptions of his battlefield prowess paint
a picture of courage and unwavering loyalty:

"...brave Macbeth (Disdaining fortune with his brandished steel, which

smoked with bloody execution,) Like valour's minion carved out his
passage..." (Act 1, Scene 2)

These lines highlight Macbeth's prowess and his unwavering courage in the
face of danger. Duncan, the King of Scotland, further emphasizes this point
by showering Macbeth with praise and honorifics:

King Duncan's response to the reports further underscores Macbeth's

formidable reputation. Duncan is effusive in his praise, calling Macbeth
"valiant" and referring to him as his "worthiest cousin" (Act 1, Scene 2). This
admiration is not just a formality; it is an acknowledgment of Macbeth's
critical role in securing Duncan's reign and the stability of Scotland.

Shakespeare uses vivid imagery to highlight Macbeth's reputation as a

fearless warrior. In Act 1, Scene 2, a sergeant describes Macbeth's sword as
"smoked with bloody execution" and recounts how he "unseamed [an enemy]
from the nave to the chops." This graphic description emphasizes Macbeth's
ferocity and bravery in battle, portraying him as a formidable and ruthless
fighter. This imagery not only establishes his valor but also foreshadows the
destructive ambition that leads to his downfall. His loyalty to King Duncan is
unquestioned, making the audience's initial impression of him positive.

II. The Seed of Ambition

The witches' prophecy acts as a catalyst for Macbeth's ambition. The initial
prophecies, that he will be Thane of Cawdor and eventually King, plant a seed
of desire in his mind. This ambition, however, is initially conflicted with his
sense of loyalty and moral conscience. He grapples with the witches' words
in his first soliloquy:

"Why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And
make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the faith and duty of the
state?" (Act 1, Scene 3)

This internal struggle reveals Macbeth's awareness of the potential

consequences of his ambition.

Shakespeare uses soliloquies in "Macbeth" to reveal the protagonist's inner thoughts

and conflicts. In Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth debates the moral implications of killing
Duncan. In Act 2, Scene 1, he hallucinates a dagger, showing his anxiety and guilt. In
Act 5, Scene 5, after Lady Macbeth's death, he reflects on life's futility, highlighting
his despair. These soliloquies offer a deep look into Macbeth's evolving psyche and
tragic downfall. Here, the audience witnesses the war raging within Macbeth
as ambition clashes with reason and loyalty.

III. The Influence of Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth's ambition and manipulation play a crucial role in driving

Macbeth's actions. She challenges his masculinity and resolves in Act 1,
Scene 7, pushing him to murder Duncan by questioning his courage:
"When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you
are, you would Be so much more the man" (Act 1, Scene 7)

Lady Macbeth's manipulation plays a significant role in Macbeth's descent

into darkness. She cleverly exploits his insecurities and his desire to be seen
as strong, ultimately convincing him to commit regicide. Her relentless
ambition and persuasive tactics compel Macbeth to pursue the throne,
overriding his initial hesitations and setting him on a path of tyranny and
destruction.

IV. The Erosion of Morality

Macbeth's ambition overpowers his moral compass. He succumbs to Lady

Macbeth's influence and embarks on a path of violence. The act of murdering
Duncan marks a crucial turning point for Macbeth. It signifies his transition
from a noble warrior to a tyrant consumed by guilt and paranoia. This act
unleashes a cycle of violence and fear, leading to further murders and
Macbeth's eventual downfall. The murder of Duncan not only secures
Macbeth's rise to power but also initiates his moral decay and the unraveling
of his sanity.

" ...Methought, I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder
sleep!’ the innocent sleep, Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care, The
death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath, Balm of hurt minds, great
nature’s second course, Chief nourisher in life’s feast…" (Act 2, Scene 2)

"My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of
man that function Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is but what is not."
(Act 1, Scene 3)

These soliloquys portray the devastating impact of his actions. Sleep, a

symbol of peace and restoration, becomes an unattainable luxury for
Macbeth. He is haunted by his crime and descends into a state of mental
turmoil.

V. The Tyrant's Descent

As king, Macbeth becomes increasingly ruthless. He orders the murders of

Banquo and Macduff's family, eliminating any potential threats to his throne.
These acts solidify his transformation from a valiant warrior to a tyrannical
ruler. However, his reign is marked by fear and suspicion.

"To be thus is nothing; But to be safely thus... our fears in Banquo Stick deep;
and scarce can we his death imagine Than thought of that clears him from
our suspicion" (Act 3, Scene 1)

This quote highlights the precarious nature of Macbeth's position. He

achieves his ambition but at the cost of his peace of mind.
VI. The Cracks Begin to Show
Macbeth's mental state deteriorates significantly throughout Shakespeare's play due
to his ambition, guilt, and paranoia. Initially ambitious and willing to murder to gain
power, he becomes consumed by guilt after killing Duncan. This guilt leads to
paranoia, causing him to see apparitions and become increasingly isolated. His
descent into madness is marked by his erratic behaviour and his inability to
distinguish between reality and fantasy, ultimately leading to his downfall. His
reliance on the witches for further prophecies reveals his desperation and
loss of control.
VII. A Glimpse of Humanity
Despite his ruthless ambition and descent into darkness, Macbeth does indeed
experience moments of remorse throughout the play. After he murders Duncan, he is
immediately filled with guilt and horror at what he has done, confessing to his wife
that he heard a voice cry "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep." Later, he
reflects on the consequences of his actions, acknowledging that he has "stepped in
blood so far" that it would be as difficult to go back as it is to move forward. He
contemplates life's fleeting nature and the meaninglessness of his actions:
"To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from
day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have
lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!" (Act 5, Scene 5)

Shakespeare injects a touch of humanity into Macbeth through this soliloquy.

Even consumed by ambition and guilt, Macbeth ponders the impermanence of
life and the futility of his actions.

VI. The Inevitable Downfall

Macbeth's reign is short-lived. His brutality leads to rebellion, and his former
friends become his enemies. He faces Macduff, a man whose family he has
destroyed. The final confrontation highlights the emptiness of Macbeth's
ambition. He dies a defeated and disillusioned man, stripped of his power and
devoid of any redeeming qualities.

Conclusion

Macbeth's journey in Shakespeare's tragedy serves as a cautionary tale

about the destructive potential of ambition. The play opens with Macbeth as a
celebrated warrior, but the witches' prophecy awakens a yearning for power
that clashes with his sense of duty. Lady Macbeth's relentless ambition
further pushes him towards a tragic path.

The act of regicide shatters Macbeth's conscience. Consumed by guilt and

paranoia, he descends into tyranny. His initial ambition, fueled by a desire for
recognition, transforms into a desperate need to cling to power through
violence and fear. Macbeth's relationships deteriorate, and he becomes
increasingly isolated.

Despite achieving the throne, Macbeth's ambition proves meaningless. His

brutality incites rebellion, and he faces his final battle stripped of power and
devoid of any positive qualities. Macbeth's downfall underscores the
destructive nature of unchecked ambition, highlighting how it can corrupt
even the most noble individuals.