Lady Macbeth example essay topic

The Evolution of Macbeth's Morals Throughout the course of Macbeth, the title character goes through a large amount of personality change. These changes take great effect on his moral disposition and his relationships with others. One of the most important turning points is in the beginning of Act. Initially, the character of Macbeth is well meaning. He has only the best intentions in mind. When intrigued by prophecies of great power, and then egged on by his wife, his personality begins to warp and alter.

A seemingly honest man turns into a lowlife criminal, only concerned with having more and more power. But even when he first starts in with the plot to climb his way up this royal ladder, he is plagued by guilt. There is an amazing amount of inner turmoil that is only shut out because of his repressed masculinity, when he breaks down to the cold will of Lady Macbeth. Unfortunately, after Macbeth finally kills Duncan and he begins to explore his new-found power, it is as though it isn't enough. The blood is on his hands now and he cannot wash it away. A man once haunted by regret and sorrow for murderous deeds, now becomes haunted only by his paranoia.

This is displayed in Act - Scene I when he states, "Our fears in Banquo stick deep; and in his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared". He has settled into the role of fledgling madman, and now feels that others will intrude on the royal inheritance he so recently gained. It is obvious that his morals have done a complete turnaround. Instead of regret, he thirsts for more blood.

Murder has become a part of his character and it has driven him insane. The odd thing is that it seems Macbeth is not the only one to have changed. After the murder of King Duncan, and the Macbeth name becomes royalty, the lady is apparently satisfied. She has gotten what she wanted and wants to revel in it. But with all of the toying of Macbeth's mind, she has inadvertently created a monster. He can not just accept what he has and grows obsessed with paranoid delusions.

Lady Macbeth tries to stay rational and bring him to a straight and narrow path, but his mind has advanced beyond the ability to return to sanity. This conflict of rationality is shown in Act - Scene II. "Macbeth: O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know " st that Banquo and his Flea nce, lives. Lady Macbeth: But in the nature's copy's not eterne. Macbeth: There's comfort yet, they are assailable".

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth seem to have now switched roles morally. In conclusion, Scenes I and II of Act in Shakespeare's Macbeth are major turning points in the characters of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The morals of these tragic figures have turned on their heads, and there is no telling what the future of this tale holds for them.