The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic hero.
Thereare many factors which contribute to the degeneration of Macbeth of which three willbe discussed. The three points which contribute greatly to Macbeth’s degeneration arethe prophecy which was told to him by the witches, how Lady Macbeth influencedand manipulated Macbeth’s judgment, and finally Macbeth’s long time ambition whichdrove his desire to be king. Macbeth’s growing character degenerates from a nobleman to violent individual. The prophecies which were told by the witches were one of the factors whichcontributed to the degeneration of his character. If it had not been for the witchestelling him that he was to be Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis, and King ofScotland, Macbeth would still be his ordinary self. As a result of the prophecies, thisaroused Macbeth’s curiosity of how he could be King of Scotland. As the playprogresses, Macbeth slowly relies on the witches prophecies. Shakespeare uses thewitches as a remedy for Macbeth’s curiosity which corrupts his character.
It ismore dramatic that is is said by a bloody child because it wouldnt be such animpotant statement said byu a regular man or woman. Characterization lets uaknow what is going on in each characters head and lets us know things about thecharacter that the author wants us to know. For example in act 4, scene 1, pg. 337, lines 165-179 Macbeth says aside Time, thou anticipatst my ddreadexploits The castle of Macduff I will surprise, , seize upon Fife, give to the edge o the sword That trace him, in his line Come, bring me where they are. Shakespeare lets Macbeth talk to himself so theaudience knows exactly what is going through his mind. In Act 5 scene 1 thewhole opwning section with the doctor talking to the gentlewoman is created sothat we understand what is going with Lady Macbeth without being told in a moreobvious way that would take away from the play. Characterization is a big partof letting us know more about the play otherwise without there would be manythings we didnt understand.
Foreshadowing adds suspense and gives the readeran eye to look into the future of the play to keep them interested and let themknow what will happen. In act 5, scene 1 pg, 353, lines 73-75 when the doctorsays, Look after her; remove from her means of annoyance, and still keep eyesupon her . This is said as to forshadow that later in the play Lady Macbethmight take her own life because of her guilty feeling. Also, at the beginning ofAct 4 scene 1 the three witches foreashadow by telling Macbeth what the futureholds such as the witches showing Macbeth the lines of futeure kings foreshadowwhat will happen to Macbeth. Shakespeare