How Does Macbeth Lose His Control

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Tammy Adams Marie Mahon ENG 450 21 September 2012 Play Expert Paper-Macbeth The Tragedy of Macbeth warns of lofty ambitions and ill-gotten gains. A highly respected general faced with a moral dilemma, goes against his previous strengths, and unearths his morbid weaknesses. The active decision to choose good over evil appears evident at the start of the play, yet the once brave general, loyal to the crown and his country seems driven by another force. A force stronger than Macbeth’s valor seems highly unlikely, but the tragic events escalate and Macbeth abuses his position and the trust his King places in him. The turn of events poses, the question of whom or what has coerced Macbeth to surrender his control? When in reality it has…show more content…
The Norton text is what was read and used for the purpose of this paper. Many versions of Macbeth have been created since the play was introduced and First Folio is believed to be based upon Shakespeare’s rough draft of the play (Greenblatt). By 1660 the play included singing and dancing as well as some role changes (Rolfe). At one point Lady Macduff’s role was expanded upon in order to counter Lady Macbeth in a good verse evil rivalry. By late1790 the play was brought back to Shakespeare’s original version, with modern language adaptions(Rolfe). Macbeth was the only one who could see Banquo’s ghost in a version written by John Phillip Kemble (Bevington). The Tragedy of Macbeth has been altered many times throughout history, but stays true to reiterating the messages Shakespeare originally addressed. Macbeth is more than a fictional character in one of William Shakespeare’s plays; he is based on a real King of Scotland who ruled equably for fourteen years. Macbeth did kill Duncan, but he did so in battle in 1040, not in Duncan’s sleep. Macbeth promoted Christianity and ruled with an efficient government for fourteen years; until Malcom Canmore killed him during battle, (www.bbc.co.uk) Macbeth is believed to have been a brave and fair leader who encouraged Christianity, very different from Shakespeare’s villainous
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