The Struggle between Good and Evil; in Macbeth Essay

Macbeth is without a doubt a play about evil. The play revolves around the bad and wicked qualities in human nature, but Shakespeare also contrasts this evil with the power of good. In this essay I will explore the ways in which Shakespeare contrasted good and evil in Macbeth. These contradictions start in the very beginning of the play, with the witches. In line 12, the witches say, â€Å"Fair is foul and foul is fair.† This is interesting as they are suggesting good and evil as being one. The witches’ line reflects on human nature as there are fair and foul parts to everyone. Shakespeare wanted to get this message across as the main character, Macbeth, is a prime example of the struggle between good and bad within one person. This opening†¦show more content†¦They would assume that he was good, gracious and holy, all traits that would definitely not apply to the witches. The mysterious Macbeth is also mentioned in this scene. However, we hear a different view of Macbeth. In line 16, the captain described Macbeth as â€Å"brave.† He also goes on to tell the King of the horrific battle between Macbeth and Macdonald. McDonald was fighting for the Scottish but changed sides to fight for the enemy, the Norwegian king Sweno. When Macbeth hears of MacDonald’s deceit, he thinks it to be so appalling that Macdonald deserves a horrific death. In his anger at such disloyalty to his king, Macbeth fought his way to MacDonald and â€Å"unseam’d him for the nave to th’chaps†. When the captain’s story is told, Duncan declares Macbeth to be â€Å"o valiant cousin, worthy gentleman.† This is outstanding praise from the king, but it confuses the audience. We have heard of Macbeth twice now, but both views contradict each other. The mystery surrounding Macbeth intensifies and we are curious to find out more about his character. However, in scene three, we finally meet this enigmatic character. In this scene, Macbeth and Banquo, Macbeths closest friend, meet the witches for the first time. The men are both Scottish lords and are in a similar position in society. However, their reactions to the witches’ prophecies differ. Banquo is sceptical and quickly dismisses the idea of the prophecies, saying it was just theirShow MoreRelated Struggle between Good and Evil in The Scarlet Letter and Macbeth694 Words   |  3 PagesStruggle between Good and Evil in The Scarlet Letter and Macbeth It is said that â€Å"all conflict in literature is, in its simplest form, a struggle between good and evil.† Indeed, the fundamental conflict of human nature is that of darkness and light; and as a mirror to life, the conflicts in literature is not different from those in human nature. 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