Exam (elaborations)
Macbeth Grade 9 Essay
This essay is an answer to the question. How does Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a hero in the play.
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Genevieve Atuwaogu 10.1Macbeth Essay
Macbeth undoubtedly shows standard qualities of heroism. In the opening of the scene, he receives
reports of the Scottish and English forces turning against him, in response to this he states, “Bring me
no more reports, let them fly all:”. This shows his overly confident and brave nature. All his thanes
and soldiers have turned their back on Macbeth, in result of his tyrannic leadership. However,
Macbeth is presented as certain and ready for possible outcomes. In his eyes all the reports of the
sudden attack have no affect to him, linking to the three apparitions from the three witches in Act 4
Scene 1. Likewise, Macbeth is seen to be reliant and self-assured because of the witches apparitions.
Macbeth is convinced that “the spirits that know all mortal consequences” reassured him of his
victory as King. Although we know the witches know Macbeth is naïve for he “loves for his own
ends” – Macbeth feels a sense of security from the witches. His constant bravery is presented
through the play, however one could argue his bravery had been fuelled by the witches.
At the beginning of the play Macbeth is presented as a hero. King Duncan described Macbeth as
“noble Macbeth”. For king Duncan to praise Macbeth we know Macbeth had been a very valuable
and faithful component. This implies he had been sees as a hero in people’s eyes. Despise this
already existing support Macbeth’s crave for greater power led to his lost of all his loved ones. People
whom once loved him now call him an “evil tyrant”. This highlights Macbeths character – he is now
numb to pain. One could argue that Macbeth is a weak character. This is because his mind had been
easily swayed by the words of his now broken wife and the cunning witches. This connotes that he is
dependent on the opinion of other without having a mind of his own. Although he had half
convinced himself that he wouldn’t kill King Duncan, an attack to his manhood performed by his wife
led him to kill his biggest supporter.
Macbeths heroism for an evil cause paint him more as a villain than a hero. Macbeths pure soul had
now turned sour. When the servant entered the scene to inform Macbeths of recent events,
Macbeths shouts “The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!” This shows Macbeth
incompetence and lack of emotion. The servant showed fear, resulting in Macbeth mocking him. This
connotes Macbeths detachment from the world around him – he expects everyone to show bravery
and courage. Shakespeare does this to show how much Macbeth’s heroism turned him into the
biggest villain in the play.
Shakespeare purposely presents Macbeth’s character in the play to show even the greatest of heroes
can have one of the most tragic downfalls.
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