The Conflict of Evil in Macbeth

1464 Words6 Pages
The Conflict of Evil in Macbeth When a baby is born, your first thought is not, “This is an evil baby”. If man were inherently evil, then would not all babies be born evil? Evil is profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force. It is in the nature of man to sin. But this does not mean that man is essentially wicked. In order for a man to become evil, evil must be taught to that person. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the protagonist, Macbeth, faces a conflict against evil. Driven to become king, his ambition leads him to do all that is necessary in order to obtain and retain the kingship. Though he is responsible for wicked things, Macbeth is inherently good, but becomes evil in order to achieve his goals. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is not evil. There are many examples of this. When Macbeth is prophesied by three witches to become the Thane of Cawdor and the King, his pride and ambition are stimulated. After the first part of the prophecy comes true, Macbeth starts to seek the kingship. After King Duncan names his son Malcolm as heir to the throne, Macbeth starts to think that he must take action. On the subject of killing King Duncan, Macbeth is unsure about what to do. As he tries to reason with himself, he thinks, “He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.” (I. 7. 12). Macbeth’s thoughts and feelings about killing King Duncan are results of his good nature. Expert Wayne Booth says, “The testimony of other characters and Macbeth’s own moral vacillations presented early in the play suggest that Macbeth is not a naturally evil man, but a man who has every potentiality for goodness.” Macbeth’s moral values are clear examples of
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