The Battle Between Good and Evil in Macbeth
The battle that we saw between the two forces is a confusing one in Macbeth, because there seemed to be multiple heroes. Within this play, we received the sense that there were two battles between good and evil; the first being within Macbeth’s own mind, and the second against the entire kingdom. Macbeth is our first hero, whom emerged victorious after a war between Scotland and rebellious subjects with the aid of the forces of Norway. He was named thane of Cawdor, and was in the very best favour of the good King Duncan.After the Witches' prophecy, his ambitions began to overpower his morals, and this caused a battle within himself to occur. This battle was almost between the figures of a devil and an angel on his shoulder. The angel was trying to tell him how wrong his actions were, and tried to show him that killing a King was against all natural, social and divine order. The devil, in contrast, appealed to his selfish heart; this heart was one that wanted both the power of royalty and his wife's approval desperately. After this vicious battle within Macbeth's soul came to a close, evil was the surprising victor. In result of this battle a larger war was waged. This war included Macbeth and his loyal subjects, fighting against the rebels of Scotland with aid from England. This rebellion was lead by Macduff and the rightful king Malcolm. Macduff wanted desperately to take over the kingdom and to save it from the oppressive tyrant after his family was cruelly murdered by Macbeth. He was the leader of the “good side” and despised Macbeth, relating him to the devil himself when he proclaimed "not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damned in evils to top Macbeth” (iv.iii.57-59). Opposing forces battled, though not viciously. It seemed as though even Macbeth's army did not want to fight for him, which gave Macduff enough of an upper hand to push through the enemies. Macduff was born from a cesarean section, and therefore was the only one in prophecy with the ability to kill Macbeth. He beheaded the villain, and the good side triumphed.
Click here to view the final archetypal analysis of the website: The battle between good and evil in "The Lion King".
Click here to view the final archetypal analysis of the website: The battle between good and evil in "The Lion King".