Impressions of Macbeth in Act 1

Impressions of Macbeth in Act 1

At the beginning of the play, Macbeth, the honourable Thane of Glamis,

is the “bravest” soldier, who fights for the King without mercy. He is

a very successful and a highly respected member, who is always loaded

with honours and praise. His rank and nobility are of great value, and

his fighting for King Duncan is magnificent, and of course courageous.

(Shakespeare describing Macbeth’s courage in battle: “Like valour’s

minion carved out his passage till he faced the slave” (Act 1, scene

1, line 19)). Macbeth fights bravely, in hope that he will be known as

a “valour’s minion” – Macbeth strongly values success because he

recognises the fame and new titles he will gain from the public.

Macbeth has a self-loving nature, and he wishes to be recognised for

his greatness. Despite this, Macbeth is very modest as we encounter in

scene 4: “The service and the loyalty I owe I’m doing it pays itself.

Your Highness’s part is to receive our duties.” Macbeth is passionate

and takes his job very seriously. Macbeth and his wife have a strong

relationship of trust and love as seen in the letter he sends to Lady

Macbeth, where he calls her is “dearest partner of greatness.”

Macbeth’s encounter with the witches accelerates his deep “vaulting

ambition” to be King, with the strong influence from his wife, which

leads him to eventually betray King Duncan. After the first prediction

of being Thane of Cawdor comes true the “horrid image” of the murder

of King Duncan in order for him to become King crosses his mind. When

told that he is going to be King of Scotland, Macbeth does whatever he

can to ensure that this prediction comes true. It is clear that

Macbeth is fascinated with the thought of him being King. Macbeth does

want to become King, although he does not want to commit any evil: "I

have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting

ambition which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other". Macbeth would