‘Macbeth is a one dimensional character representing the human trail of weakness.’ Discuss this statement with close reference to the text.

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'Macbeth is a one dimensional character representing the human trail of weakness.' Discuss this statement with close reference to the text.

All of Shakespeare villains are good men but always have one fatal, flaw, in Macbeth's case it was ambition (Othello's was jealousy)

This is still true today, look at President Kennedy!

A great man but his flaw (unlike Macbeth's, not fatal) was lust he couldn't leave women alone!

It seems typical of Shakespeare plays in the way he contrasts the characters (e.g Macbeth & LadyMacbeth)

And in the way the 'Villain' has one, flaw.

However it is unlike most of Shakespeare's work because the 'villain' has nothing kind said about him after his death. Other villains of his plays had some praise, 'Good-night, sweet prince, And flights of angel sing thee to thy rest!' was what Horatio said about Hamlet and Othello was praised for his large and kind heart.

The name Macbeth means 'son of life', very weird and ironic isn't it?

Macbeth is one of the most complicated of Shakespear's characters. In the way Shakespeare describes him, Shakespeare shows that he understands how different people think and act. Shakespeare shows how people can be driven to evil deeds by hidden ambitions and emotions within themselves.
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Macbeth was probably a true story from Scotland, to start with but over the years it got mixed with other legends like 'Brave heart' and by the time Shakespeare made it into a play it was mostly fiction.

Banquo and Fleance never existed, although they are supposed to be ancestors of the Stuarts but so far most historians don't think such characters really existed.

What is weakness? Weakness is generally a fault or a problem. You can be called 'weak' if you are easily tempted.

Macbeth demonstrates weakness throughout the play:

Macbeth was ...

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