Macbeth- war hero gone evil murderer

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How Shakespeare portrays the character of Macbeth as ‘war hero’ turned ‘evil murderer’

This essay is in the purpose of exploring the transformation in the character of Macbeth from “war hero” to “evil murderer” not only through his own ambition, but the influence of the witches and Lady Macbeth.

Initially we see Macbeth as a valiant, heroic, and powerful solider, his conduct on the battlefield described vividly by a wounded captain returning from the battle. “For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name." However Macbeth’s actions on the battlefield show us another side to his character, we see a ruthless, cold-blooded man that shows no mercy towards the victims of his sword. His sword is described as, "brandished steel which smoked with bloody execution," this imagery gives us the gruesome impression of Macbeth slaying so many soldiers that his sword was hot with the work he had done. Barbarity is also portrayed in the description given by the captain, as he tells of the precise undertakings of Macbeth’s killings, "He unseamed him from the nave to th'chaps and fixed his head upon the battlements." Duncan then describes Macbeth as," valiant cousin, worthy gentleman."

He is being praised by the King of Scotland for his actions as a loyal and brave servant of war. Macbeth’s barbarism is yet again portrayed when we are told of how he treats his victims, "fixed his head upon our battlements.”

Also, Ross shows great respect for Macbeth’s, “the thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict, till that Bellona’s bridegroom, lapp’d in proof.”

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Shakespeare here compares Macbeth to the husband of the roman goddess of war, giving him a godly appearance to the audience by this point.

He is looked upon greatly for his war performance and classed as ‘brave’.

Fortunately for Macbeth it is his ‘bravery’ in battle that awards him the title of Thane of Cawdor as given by King Duncan.

Although, before all of this occurred, on his return from the battle, Macbeth comes upon the three witches who manipulatively great him, "Hail Glamis, Hail Cawdor, and who halt be King hereafter." They speak in rhyming couplets giving their words ...

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