Macbeth: Shakespeares Comparisons And Contrasts :: essays research papers

Macbeth Shakespeares Comparisons and ContrastsThroughout Macbeth Shakespeare uses comparison and contrast to bring outcharacteristics of his main(prenominal) character, Macbeth. Shakespeare uses comparisonwith Dun corporation, dame Macbeth, and Banquo to bring out aspects of Macbethscharacter.After hearing of Macbeths courage on the battlefield, Duncan, agood and h unriv exclusivelyedst superpower, bestows the tittle of Cawdor on Macbeth. The king thenproclaims his son Malcom to be Prince of Cumberland, in effect designating himas refilling to the throne of Scotland. This dramatic announcement of Duncanschosen successor marks the start-off of an ironic story. It is at this point inthe play that we, the audience, become full aware of Macbeths intentions to execution the king. Duncan hails Macbeth as his "worthiest cousin" and blindlyentrusts his fate to one whom he considers his "peerless kinsman." Shakespeareconcentrates on Macbeths courage so that he can contr ast it later on with theterror and panic of Macbeths psychological anguish.Lady Macbeth will stop at nothing -not even murder- to satisfy her private roadambition. She worries that Macbeth is "too full of the milk of human kindness"to go later on the throne. She wants to be tough and begs the spirits to "unsex mehere." Macbeth, on the other hand, hesitates to murder Duncan for severalreasons. Among these reasons the earthly consequences frighten him the most.How would his new subjects react? Would the kingdom break down in chaos?Furthermore Macbeth cannot escape present punishment if he fails. We see LadyMacbeths persuasiveness producing a new courage in her husband and that courageis manly enough to perform murder. Therefore, Macbeth has no reasons formurdering Duncan draw out for his "vaulting ambition," his lust for power.Throughout the play we see Lady Macbeths and Macbeths conscience, or lack of,change places. Macbeth transformed from having a guilt ridden conscience tohaving no conscience what so ever. However, Lady Macbeth changes from having noconscience at all to becoming so guilt ridden that she took her own life.Like Macbeth, Banquo is courageous.