Introduction
Macbeth was written by William Shakespeare in the year 1606, an era that was marked by the English Renaissance. This character and story have been recreated effectively by Christopher Morrow and Sidney Lamb in their textbook titled Cliff’s Complete Macbeth.
Macbeth is essentially the story of a character who lives his life in a state of confusion to the degree that the only constant in his life changes. This tragic hero shows the constant change in his relationships, interactions, and above all, his level of mortality. This essay deals with the character changes in Macbeth as demonstrated in Cliff’s Complete Macbeth.
Main body
As far as relationships are concerned, Macbeth’s once-close ally Duncan is reduced to the pawn in his game of furthering his and his wife’s ambitions. In this book of witches and prophecies, Macbeth’s wife is the greatest evil who is constantly motivating him to do wrong and act according to the prophecies of the witches. She takes out twisted meanings of the prophecies so as to suit their own interests and thus poisons the mind of Macbeth to a great extent. It is imperative to mention here that Macbeth’s wife acts as a strong catalyst in the change of the character (Morrow et al, 2000; pp.1-29).
Yet, Macbeth changes a second time upon committing the act of murder. Having been convinced by the clever words of his wife, lady Macbeth, he plunges headlong into the act of preparing to kill and finally murdering Duncan with the strong conviction that he is doing the right thing. However, as is human nature, once he has committed the crime, he realizes that he has made a grave mistake as he immediately remembers the close relationship and spirit of brotherhood he shared with Duncan. He realizes that he has broken someone’s trust and that the person in question cannot come back to forgive him for this act (Morrow et al, 2000; pp.30-63).
Upon committing such a great folly, Macbeth becomes a man who lives in constant fear. He lives under the impression that everyone close to him suspects him. This attitude change is extended towards Banquo, who was once a close friend of Macbeth. Things, however, change after the murder of Duncan when Macbeth lives under the fear that Banquo will one day turn around and reveal to the whole world that Macbeth is a wrongdoer and a murderer. This fear comes from the sense of the irrational line of thought that a person follows upon committing a crime and realizing that it has all been a mistake. This fear takes the shape of relief once he sees Banquo’s murder as well (Morrow et al, 2000; pp. 64-89).
Conclusion
Macbeth’s character also changes as far as his wife is concerned. Having started out with pure passion and love, their relationship falls into despair following a series of murders that leave Macbeth fearful more than anyone else. The prime factor for his motivation, he begins to blame her somewhere in his subconscious mind for the state he is in. As far as the witches are concerned too, Macbeth’s attitude changes from faith to complete distrust (Morrow et al, 2000; pp.90-149)
Having started out as a nobleman, Macbeth’s intentions and way of living change throughout the story. His character follows the path of living life well and heartily until fear comes to replace it with despair and gloom.
References
Morrow, Christopher; Lamb, Sidney; Shakespeare, William (2000). Cliff’s Complete Macbeth. Cliff’s Notes. 3rd Rev Edition.