Good vs. Evil in Macbeth
Practice essay
Discuss how Shakespeare uses good vs. evil in the play Macbeth
Throughout the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, it is identified that ‘good vs. evil’ plays the role as a major theme. Shakespeare uses characters and events throughout the text in order to depict what he considers as good and evil. It is evident that ‘good’ in Macbeth requires values such as loyalty, honesty and courage. Evil however can be defined as something or someone who performs dishonesty, treachery, cowardice and lack of moral discipline. Good vs evil is shown in Macbeth through the personalities of characters, such as the weird sisters and Lady Macbeth along with symbolism of scenery, events and false appearances that occur within the play.
The witches in Macbeth can be seen as main characters that portray evil values. The weird sisters throughout the play are noticeably evil characters due to their power over Macbeth himself, as well as their input in the evil actions that occur. The first appearance of the witches immediately gives the impression of a dark and evil mood. ‘Fair is foul and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air.’ It is apparent through this statement that the sisters are directly bringing up good vs. evil by implying that ‘good is bad and bad is good’ which means that good and evil both coincide with each other. This is a reoccurring idea throughout the novel as the evil acts that take place are often followed with an overpowering performance of good. The three witches and their evil existence can also be witnessed through Shakespeare’s writing when he symbolises darkness and despair which can ultimately be seen as imagery of the evilness they hold; ‘hover through the fog and filthy air.’ The three witches and their significant presence throughout Macbeth is one way in which Shakespeare uses good vs. evil.
Good vs. evil in Macbeth can also be noticed through how evil influences cancel out good values. Macbeth’s transformation of character
Discuss how Shakespeare uses good vs. evil in the play Macbeth
Throughout the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, it is identified that ‘good vs. evil’ plays the role as a major theme. Shakespeare uses characters and events throughout the text in order to depict what he considers as good and evil. It is evident that ‘good’ in Macbeth requires values such as loyalty, honesty and courage. Evil however can be defined as something or someone who performs dishonesty, treachery, cowardice and lack of moral discipline. Good vs evil is shown in Macbeth through the personalities of characters, such as the weird sisters and Lady Macbeth along with symbolism of scenery, events and false appearances that occur within the play.
The witches in Macbeth can be seen as main characters that portray evil values. The weird sisters throughout the play are noticeably evil characters due to their power over Macbeth himself, as well as their input in the evil actions that occur. The first appearance of the witches immediately gives the impression of a dark and evil mood. ‘Fair is foul and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air.’ It is apparent through this statement that the sisters are directly bringing up good vs. evil by implying that ‘good is bad and bad is good’ which means that good and evil both coincide with each other. This is a reoccurring idea throughout the novel as the evil acts that take place are often followed with an overpowering performance of good. The three witches and their evil existence can also be witnessed through Shakespeare’s writing when he symbolises darkness and despair which can ultimately be seen as imagery of the evilness they hold; ‘hover through the fog and filthy air.’ The three witches and their significant presence throughout Macbeth is one way in which Shakespeare uses good vs. evil.
Good vs. evil in Macbeth can also be noticed through how evil influences cancel out good values. Macbeth’s transformation of character