Macbeth

The character Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic hero. There are many factors that contribute to the degeneration of Macbeth. The three points, which contribute greatly to Macbeth's degeneration are the prophecies, which were told to him by the witches, how Lady Macbeth influenced and manipulated Macbeth's judgment, and finally Macbeth's long time ambition, which drove his desire to be king. Macbeth's growing character degenerate from a noble man to a violent individual.

The prophecies, which were told by the witches, were one of the factors, which contributed to the decline of his strong character. "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!/All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (Shakespeare 307). It is believed that if the predictions had not been made about Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor, and an eventual king, he would still be focused on his career as a warrior. Greed and power drive humans to change themselves, when it is not needed. As a result of the prophecies, Macbeth's curiosity was aroused, and was driven to become King of Scotland. As the play progresses, Macbeth slowly relies on the witches' prophecies. Shakespeare uses the witches as a remedy for Macbeth's curiosity, which corrupts his character.

The influences of Macbeth's wife, Lady Macbeth, also contributed to his descend of character. Lady Macbeth's character in the beginning reveals that she is a lovable person. When Lady Macbeth was ready to kill King Duncan, she could not follow through with it because Duncan reminded her of her father.

"Alack, I am afraid they have awaked.

And 'tis not done! Th' attempt and not the deed

Confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready;

He could not miss 'em. Had he not resembled

My father [ King Duncan ] as he slept, I had done't."

(Shakespeare 321)

This example proves that Lady Macbeth was not such a bad person. Lady