Causes of Macbeths Personality Change in The Tragedy of...

Individuals continually deal with general events that affect their personalities. This can either strengthen an individual’s character or lead to one’s demise. William Shakespeare acknowledges these human experiences in The Tragedy of Macbeth with his focus on the protagonist, Macbeth. Fixating his focus on Macbeth, Shakespeare thoroughly portrays the protagonist as a frail human, easily influenced by his environment and personal relationships. Although Macbeth’s decisions determine his plight, he finds himself transgressing when he believes his prophesized throne is in danger. By eliminating what he perceives as threats, he sacrifices his honor, his friendship with Banquo, his wife, and his sanity, resulting in a personality change.†¦show more content†¦When she commits suicide, however; Macbeth declares â€Å"Life’s but a walking shadow.† (V:v, 24). His expression denotes how insignificant and empty life is. At this point, Macbeth i s on the verge of falling apart. His experience differs from the beginning of the tragedy producing a major personality transformation. The supernatural elements presented in The Tragedy of Macbeth each demonstrate hints of wickedness or evil. For example, the three witches. When presented in the story, their presence always gives off bad vibes. In the exposition of the tragedy, the First Witch asks, â€Å"When shall we three meet again? / In thunder, lightning, or in rain?† (I:I, 1-2). The use of â€Å"thunder, lightning, or in rain† indicates to the reader of the malicious nature of the three witches. Upon encountering the three witches, Macbeth is astounded. Their prophecies alarm him, causing him to ask what they mean by â€Å"All hail Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!† (I:iii, 50). Many times, the paradoxes used by the witches confusing. In one scene, the witches appeal in favor of Banquo. The use of their paradox, â€Å"Not so happy, yet much happier,† indicates their intention of portraying things not as they really seem. (I:iii, 66). Meeting the three witches is Macbethâ€⠄¢s first step in losing his sanity. He struggles to differentiate what is real and what is not. His attempt to seize the throne leads to the loss of his sanity. Before he is aboutShow MoreRelated A Comparison of Macbeth and Oedipus the King Essay1572 Words   |  7 PagesA Comparison of Macbeth and Oedipus Rex  Ã‚   The objective of this essay is to compare the Shakespearian tragedy Macbeth to the Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex. Although the plays share similarities, it will be seen that the fall of Macbeth is very different from that of Oedipus. Macbeths downfall is due to his own personal decisions while the downfall of Oedipus is due to fate and the will of the gods. In Greek tragedy plot was always emphasized over character; everyone wore masks. 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