Betrayal

In the play Macbeth, the story revolves around betrayal. From the very beginning, it is evident that the play will consist of liars and sneaks. Every character in the play seems to have a hidden agenda. The main characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, are evil, twisted people. They do not care about the well being of others. They are more interested in what they can get for themselves. They are greedy, power hungry people who are relentless in their pursuit for power, particularly the kingship of Scotland. However, there are other characters in the book that are also willing to betray people and places for some “greater” reason. For example, Macdonwald betrayed Scotland and fought against Scotland in a battle. Greed and selfishness causes people to do immoral things. After the first person in the play betrays his country, it seems to be a ripple effect. It is as if betrayal is an infectious disease that infects many of the “good” people in Scotland.

The chain of betrayal starts with Macdonwald, the Thane of Cawdor. He became a rebel and fought against Scotland in a battle. “The merciless Macdonwald / (Worthy to be a rebel, for to that / The multiplying villainies of nature / Do swarm upon him)” (1.2.?). **CITE** It is obvious that people do resent Macdonwald for his decision to rebel against his homeland. It was a non-noble deed. In the battle, Macbeth killed Macdonwald, and in result, Macbeth becomes Thane of Cawdor. This is ironic because later in the play, Macbeth will betray people and his country multiple times and expect to get away with it. Later in the play, Macbeth decides that he is supposed to be king and will do anything to become king. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth decide to kill Duncan. Duncan was the current King of Scot...

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... he decided to betray one of his country’s nobleman. Macbeth had Macduff’s family killed. It was considered very “low” to kill women and children. This did not stop Macbeth. He had become obsessed with killing and betrayal. He could not stop himself, nor did he want to. Power was more important to him then his morality. Eventually, Macbeth is killed and Malcolm becomes the King of Scotland. The disease of betrayal dies with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Luckily, it did not infect any other influential, powerful people.

Betrayal is an infectious disease in the play Macbeth. The extent of betrayal becomes more and more severe and deadly as the play progresses. Macdonwald betrayed his country. However, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth betrayed people close to them. The root of betrayal can vary, but it commonly consists of a desire for something, such as power, fame, or wealth.