Macbeth: The Evolution of a Tragic Hero

Change is a major key in life. Without change, many would not learn from their mistakes, nor grow as an individual. Although, at times change is never just for the best – but for the worst. In, William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, change is shown within the main character, Macbeth. Macbeth’s character develops drastically between the murders of King Duncan and Banquo.

Macbeth’s thoughts were rather diverse before the murder of Duncan and Banquo. As the readers hear more about Macbeth, they hear and see how he is a brave kinsman who fights and defends his king. As the three witches told Macbeth the prophecies, that he will become king, things started to change. Before king Duncan was murdered, Macbeth decided he was not able to murder him – instead

he decides to leave it up to fate. Macbeth states that he wants to hide his true feelings behind killing the King because he knows it is not right, “Stars, hide your fires/ Let not light see my black and deep desires. / The wink at the hand, yet let that be/ Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see” (I, iv, ll. 52-). Before the death of Banquo, his dear friend, Macbeth was careless. He decided to kill Banquo fir his own good, “whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall / Who I myself struck down” (III, I, l. 124-). Without a donut, Macbeth’s ambition intensifies exceedingly thoughout the play. The thought of killing the king sent shivers down his back, but towards the end of the play when it was time to kill his best friend, Banquo, there was no sign of effectiveness over him. Therefore, Macbeth’s attitude towards reckless murders had changed between each homicide.

Macbeth’s guiltiness had also had also changed immensely after each murder. After the murder of the king, Macbeth felt guilty and realized the mistake he made. Macbeth looked at his hands that were full of King Duncan’s blood, he referred them as a “sorry sight” (II, ii, l. 20). Although Macbeth had felt guilty after the murder of the beloved Banquo, Macbeth had shown no guilt for what he had done. Instead, after the First Murderer announces that Banquo is dead, he dismisses the Murderer saying, “get gone thee tomorrow. We’ll hear ourselves again” (III, iv, ll. 33-). Macbeth’s stance on the murderers and death had drastically changed between the homicides of King Duncan and Banquo. His ambitions had excelled to the point where we do not know the brave Macbeth introduced at the beginning of the play.

From a warrior to an evil leader, Macbeth’s character has changed immensely. From knowing his morals, to becoming the most evil leader – Macbeth’s character from the beginning of each major crime, had drastically change for the worst, impacting most lives in the play. Macbeth, as brave and mighty as he was, soon changed Macbeth to a ruthless and heartless character. Change is not always for the better, but most of the time it can be. Many learn from their mistakes, even though Macbeth suffered the consequences that came with his decisions and his change.