Macbeth Vs Beowulf

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Compared to Beowulf, Macbeth had much more significant failings as he transformed from a great warrior, who at first fought bravely in the service of his country, into an evil character. Macbeth’s bravery on the battlefield was reported to King Duncan as, “And fortune, on his damnèd quarrel smiling,
Showed like a rebel’s whore. But all’s too weak, For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name...with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution ..And fixed his head upon our battlements.” (1, 2, 9-23) It appeared that all the odds were stacked against Macbeth as he faced the rebel Macdonwald assisted by a strong Irish army. It was as if luck was on the rebel’s side “smiling like his whore”. Macbeth was too strong as he scoffed at …show more content…

However, Macbeth’s heroism in the battlefield did not translate into heroic behavior off the battlefield. It is ironic that he, who had defended his king from traitors colluding with Irish and Norwegian armies, himself harbored traitorous thoughts. Prior to his villainous action he reflected, “.. I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, ...Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues ...but only Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’other.” (1, 7, 1-28) Through these words, Macbeth recognizes that there was no justification for him to kill Duncan other than his own ambition. It was wrong for him to go through the horrid act because of multiple reasons. Macbeth was a noble, the king’s subject and at present his host. Further, Duncan was a very good king, so “clear in office” that the injustice of murdering such a virtuous king will be looked down by everyone including angels. Acting purely on the basis of ambition will lead to disaster. These doubts and hesitation within Macbeth’s mind indicate his lack of self control and weakness of mind. The “brave Macbeth” and “Bellona’s bridegroom” ends up surrendering to his temptations,

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