Macbeth-A Human Character

The character Macbeth possesses many qualities common to all humankind. By observing these qualities at work, the reader or audience can relate to his or her own experiences, and can better understand the reasoning behind the terrible acts committed by Macbeth. Thus, a powerful effect is created as the reader puts his or herself in Macbeth’s place and reacts accordingly. The first group of qualities is presented through Macbeth’s actions in battle. These include bravery, pride and intelligence. Bravery is first shown in Macbeth’s encounters with Macdonwald and Sweno. Fighting against seemingly impossible odds, Macbeth’s skill in battle gains him not only the respect of his counterparts and King Duncan, but also of the reader. From these great victories and the praise he receives, Macbeth grows in pride as he realizes how significant his accomplishments are. Intelligence too, is exhibited as Macbeth outwits and out maneuvers his foes. These attributes become instilled in him forever, which is shown in his final encounter with Macduff. Even though he knows that he has no chance of defeating Macduff, his bravery, pride and intelligence prevail, as he refuses to be made a coward and a fool and dies a brave death. The reader, observing the rise and fall of this noble character, can scarcely help from being moved. Also, the reader sees a part of themselves in Macbeth as he applies the qualities present in himself to the glorious battle scenes encountered by Macbeth. Macbeth’ next two qualities, imagination and conscience are indeed common to all human beings. These are revealed to the reader through Macbeth’s dialogue and soliloquy. Imagination is vividly shown in the dagger scene, at the banquet following Banquo’s murder, and in Macbeth’s dealings with the witches. In the latter, Macbeth’s imagination prevents him from seeing the witches, as the poor wretched creatures they are and from taking their prophecies, especially those of the apparitions as absolute truths. This situation has its parallel in everyone’s life. Upon seeing or hearing something out of the ordinary, our imagination is set into motion. For a few moments, it completely overwhelms all sense of reason, as we create visions or sounds not normally encountered. It is only when we fail to recover, as Macbeth did not when seeing Banquo’s ghost, that it causes damage to our character. Conscience is also exhibited by Macbeth. After the murder of Duncan, Macbeth is horrified that he can not pronounce, “Amen”, when he needs divine blessing the most. He then concludes that all is lost, that he can never wash the blood from his hands and, in short, that his soul is eternally damned. Or the rest of the play, he tries desperately to relieve himself of this guilt, but never succeeds. The reader can appreciate the intense inner torment he goes through. A feeling of sympathy arises, as the reader relates these qualities to their own, perhaps less trying, but similar situations. The final trait, ambition, is truly the motivating force in Macbeth’s character. Ambition, usually considered a favorable attribute, is portrayed as the key to Macbeth’s downfall. As his skill in battle becomes renown, he begins to think of himself as worthy of being king. Spurned on by Lady Macbeth and the prophetic greetings of the witches, his ambition rises. When the opportunity to realize this ambition arises, it has already become the dominant force in his character. Consequently, he murders Duncan and secures the crown. This, however, does not satisfy his ambition and he then attempts to eliminate all of his opposition. This same ambition causes him to commit intolerable, bloody acts of murder. Macbeth soon realizes, however, that this attempt can never be successful and that his downfall will eventually ensue. The reader observes this action and is appalled that such a common favorable personality trait could be used for such destructive purposes, and leaves the play wondering if the ambition present in oneself could ever drive one to such a fate. Through the use of the aforementioned attributes, the character Macbeth is presented as not only a noble one but a very human one, as well. The reader or viewer cannot help but see a part of themself in Macbeth and to put themselves in Macbeth’s place. Thus, a powerful impression is created, as Macbeth becomes both a realistic and captivating character.