Sympathy for macbeth - Essay Example

Despite his actions, Shakespeare encourages sympathy for Macbeth throughout the play. At first, Macbeth is displayed as a hero. However, this image changes drastically when he begins to thirst for power. Macbeth is a hero among his friends and soldiers for his loyalty and bravery to Scotland. He respects his country and does not want to interfere with his friends and king; however, greed begins to impede on Macbeth’s loyalty to his motherland. He struggles with an appropriate way to become the leader of his country.

This is shown when he states: “If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me without my stir” (1.3.142-143). Although Macbeth greatly desires to become king, his decision to not actively seek this dream encourages sympathy from the reader. These thoughts show that Macbeth still has good moral beliefs; this allows for hope that he will remain a hero. Additionally, Macbeth knows that he does not have a chance for the throne while the king lives. As Macbeth thinks of himself as a loyal subject and Duncan as a good leader, he does not want evil thoughts to overpower his loyalty.

Macbeth begins with hope to one day rule his country. To achieve this, he decides that he must become king. Macbeth realizes that if he does not attempt to become king, then it will not happen. This thinking is demonstrated with his statement: “That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies” (1.4.49-50). Macbeth recognizes the enormity of this decision and that he must act upon his murderous thoughts to fulfill his destiny. His ambition to become king overrides his loyalty to his country and king.

Because of this, Macbeth develops a plan to overthrow Duncan and rule in his place. This dilemma ensures that the reader feels sorry for Macbeth, as he struggles between remaining loyal and his obsession for power.  Macbeth struggles to stick to his