In the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare the actions of the main characters .
depict the moral ideals of good and evil. The power of temptation is demonstrated .
through the thoughts and actions of Macbeth. However, Shakespeare also shows the .
ability to over come temptation in his portrayal of Banqou. These two characters help to .
make the audience understand the plays theme concerning the consequences to giving in .
to one's desires.
In the play, Macbeth begins as a noble man. However, the mood soon changes .
from admirable toward Macbeth to mysterious and vague. Once he learns of his prophecy .
to become a king, Macbeth is transforms into a man controlled by greed. It seems that .
Macbeth is overpowered by his need for power and yields to the temptation of the .
witches almost immediately. He eventually convinces himself, with the help of Lady .
Macbeth, that the importance of his achieving his goal overrides the damage it may .
cause. Macbeth is eventually so desperate that he murders the king and anyone standing .
between him and the throne. After discussing his plot to kill King Duncan with Lady .
Macbeth, he says, "Away and mock the time with fairest show/ False face must hide what .
the heart lies about doth know." He understands the immorality of his acts but he believes .
that in the end it will be worth it all. Towards the end of the play the audience may begin .
to feel bad for Macbeth even after all the murder pain and violence he is responsible for. .
He is left with nothing and no one to aid him in his final strife and is ultimately defeated. .
Still it must be remembered that he brought all his trouble upon himself by not having the .
self-control to fend off the witches offers. .
The character foil of Macbeth is Banquo, the honorable soldier who does not .
concede to the witches" enticement. Although he admits to Macbeth about often having .
thoughts as regards to the witches, he does not act on these reflections.
