Role Of Evil In Macbeth

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“Evil people listen to evil ideas, and liars listen to lies” (Proverbs 17:4 GNT) William Shakespeare’s Macbeth portrays a man consumed by evil thoughts, and eventually defeated by the hatred he created. Throughout much of history, there always stands someone who craves destruction and despair. Usually a male assumes the role, and is looked upon as having great power. Those men with devious intents do succeed for a lengthy amount of time. However, their reign always comes to an end when an opposing force defeats them. From the very beginning, Macbeth enacts maleficent behavior, and Macduff arises as the favored protagonist of Macbeth. Once Macbeth fell prey to the witches’ prophecy, he began to become desensitized towards his actions. Macbeth …show more content…

He and Lady Macbeth plotted to kill King Duncan so he could advance to the throne. As time progressed, Macbeth began to be driven by the thought of murdering Duncan. He could see a dagger floating before him; it guided him towards Duncan’s chambers. Macbeth’s evil heart and greed pushed him to commit sin. “Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle towards my hand? Come, let me clutch thee” (Shakespeare 362). Even though his first encounter with the witches created his diabolical mind, his second encounter encouraged him to believe he was invincible. The appropriations he viewed corrupted his mind beyond belief. Macbeth, in his heart, believed no man could stop him, because they were all born of woman. He was also warned about Macduff, but he paid no mind to it. Macbeth had become a relentless, cold hearted man. “Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee?” (Shakespeare 395). The corrupt and evil ways Macbeth possessed were already within him; he only needed proper motivation to release it. Macbeth executes those who interfere with his goals; moreover, he especially slaughters a man’s family he found to be insubordinate. …show more content…

Macduff’s suspicion of Macbeth grew as more and more people were found dead. Macduff didn’t believe that the guardsmen killed King Duncan. He even refuted the idea that Banquo was randomly killed, or that Fleance killed him. As the kingdom began to crumble under Macbeth, Macduff decided to leave Scotland. He joined the English rebellion led by Malcolm (one of Duncan’s sons) in hopes that they could reclaim their country. “Our power is ready; / Our lack is nothing but our leave” (Shakespeare 408). However, Macbeth received word that Macduff had left the country to join the rebellion. Unfortunately for Macduff, his entire family was massacred by Macbeth’s men. The agony and vengeance within Macduff intensified his preexisting longing for a new king. Not only did Macduff want a new king, but he also wanted the head of Macbeth. “Macduff is the archetype of the avenging hero, not simply out for revenge but with a good and holy purpose” (“Character Analysis: Macduff”). In their fight to the death, Macbeth and Macduff were at each other’s necks. Both men had a goal set in mind that could only be accomplished with the other being dead. Macbeth lost his sense of invincibility once Macduff revealed that he wasn’t naturally born by woman. Macbeth began to fight sloppily, and Macduff delivered a fatal blow to his neck that beheaded him. “Lay on, Macduff / And damned

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