EQ: How would you describe the change in the Macbeths’ character? Have you ever done something that, drastically, changed who you are, as a person? Whether it is mentally or physically, everyone has gone through situations that have altered them. In the play ​
Macbeth​
, by William Shakespeare, the Macbeths’ characters change over time. This change is caused by their association with murder, their ambition, and their evil actions haunting them. Before the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth was unwilling to commit murder and afterwards was regretful. Initially, Macbeth looked for reasons to not kill the king. Once he committed the act, guilt started to take over. Over time, he started killing with no hesitation or remorse. In finding out Macduff fled to England, to gain Malcolm’s trust, Macbeth decides to kill Macduff’s entire family. Macbeth states he will “surprise, seize upon, give to the edge o’ the sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace his line” (IV.i.171­174). Originally he was indecisive about killing innocent people. However, now he is all for killing whomever interferes with his title. The first murder, King Duncan, was the most difficult. However this deed caused him to continue to assassinate more and more people to cover up the act. Being forced to kill changed Macbeth’s mental state. Macbeth is now only thinking about doing whatever is necessary to maintain his kingship. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s ambition changed throughout the Acts. Early on, in the play, Lady Macbeth was an aggressor, she pushed Macbeth towards evil and she was loyal to her ambition. Macbeth was unsure and indecisive, he was intimidated, and he was loyal to Scotland. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth were talking about how the kingdom has changed, Lady Macbeth tells him, “Naught’s had all’s spent, where our desire is got without content. ‘Tis safer to be that which we destroy Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.” (III.ii.6­9). She is starting to question the murder of King Duncan, and whether or not it was truly worth it. Initially, her ambition overpowered her ability to think clearly, but now she realizes that no good came from the deed. Macbeth’s original goal was to protect the Kingdom of Scotland, however, over time his ambition to become king and maintain the kingship overwhelmed his loyalty. Where once he was loyal to the people of Scotland, he is now only loyal to the protection of his title. Desire for power has corrupted both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, changing their character permanently. The killing of Duncan led to Macbeth being haunted. After killing Duncan Macbeth is devastated, by the action, causing him to hear noises. As Macbeth is in the king’s chamber, preparing to murder Duncan, he believes he hears the guards praying. While they say “Amen” he is unable to repeat them. When Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth he has completed the task, of killing the king, he explains, “I have most need of blessing and ‘Amen’ stuck in my throat” (II.ii.43­44). Macbeth feels guilty, because he has murdered someone that is innocent. He is in need of forgiveness, but is so distraught he cannot bring himself to ask for it. Lady Macbeth’s evil hauntings came after the killing of Duncan. She realizes they were happier, in their positions, before the murder. Due to her unhappiness, she changes her state of mind by not wanting to do evil actions, anymore. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth changed due to being possessed by their regrets. William Shakespeare’s ​
Macbeth​
portrays the characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, changing throughout the play. Macbeth goes from a humble, loyal, kind friend to a treacherous and treasonous individual. Macbeth switched characteristics with Lady Macbeth, by becoming more villainous and Lady Macbeth being more concerned with his acts. The Macbeth’s, eventually, experience their conscience haunting them. Throughout life everyone goes through changes. What causes that change is what they look back on either with joy or regret.