Becoming Evil: Macbeth Edition



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There have been plenty of stories about a great person suddenly becoming evil after one fateful decision.  Sometimes it is a quick, hasty choice the character does not think twice about and then has to deal with the consequences.  Other times, it is a choice that the protagonist spends time about, weighing the pros and cons, and ultimately chooses what they think is right, but what the audience knows is wrong.  That is what happens in Shakespeare’s story of Macbeth.  The character Macbeth is overall a great man that is honored by everyone else.  Even the king admires him for his loyalty and courage.  Towards the beginning of the play, the king Duncan calls Macbeth, “O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman!” (Macbeth, 1.2).  The admiration was returned.  Macbeth saw himself as the king’s warrior and his friend.  So what made him kill Duncan? Why did a seemingly not evil man take the first step into evil?

There are various reasons one can be led to evil acts.  I think a very common reason is temptation.  If the temptation is too much, the person will be willing to do anything to get what they want.  Wanting something so badly can lead to dangerous acts.  In the play, Macbeth is too tempted to be king that he gives up his innocence when he murders Duncan.  I think it was the witches’ prophecy that tempted him into the action.  They declared that Macbeth would become the thane of Cawdor and king.  When the previous thane of Cawdor was executed and he took his place, he believed the witches.  However, he believed the only way he could become king was to kill Duncan.  In my opinion, it wasn’t fate that led him to this decision.  I think he was still able to make his own choices and that the title of king was something he consciously always wanted.  Therefore, Macbeth was overwhelmed by his desire to consider the consequences killing the king might bring.

Despite his temptation, he was also hesitant about committing the murder.  That’s why I think the other reason a person turns to evil is the influence of others.  Someone can be pushed into something they don’t want to do by another person.  It’s even harder to resist when the act may be something he/she is already considering.  Another person’s advice could be the thing that pushes the decision over the edge and into action.  In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is the one that pretty much forces Macbeth into killing Duncan.  When he is hesitant, his wife treats him like he’s foolish for not completely be committed to the crime.  She convinces him it’s the right decision, and is able to persuade him into doing it.  Her push led Macbeth to killing his previous friend Duncan so that he can achieve the power he desires so much.

Much of the consequences for causing Duncan’s death are internal.  Talking about the crime beforehand and actually committing it are two very different things.  The aftermath of an evil act can cause negative effects to a previously good person.  They are unexpected and can take control of someone.  The guilt and regret can instantly rise up.  An internal conflict can come about whether the decision was worth it or was it a waste and simply the wrong thing to have done.  These consequences are portrayed through Macbeth after his wrongful deed.  He starts to go a bit crazy.  His mind won't allow him to stop thinking about what he has done.  He becomes frantic and restless, not being able to go to sleep.  He says, "Macbeth shall sleep no more" (Macbeth, 2.2). 

 

Overall, he has trouble accepting what he did.  Simple things like saying "Amen" are even a struggle.  He cries, "I had most need of blessing, and "Amen" stuck in my throat" (Macbeth, 2.2).  Taking steps towards evil can really affect a person and their behavior.  He/she must deal with the consequences.  In the play, Macbeth's innocence disappears and evil only builds up leading him to commit more evil acts, like forcing Banquo's death, to protect his new found power.