Although Villainous, the Character of Macbeth Evokes the Audiences Sympathies

Although villianous, the character of macbeth evokes the audienes sympathies

Macbeth earns his reputation as a villainous character through his tyranny and numerous acts of murder. He communes with dark supernatural forces in his evil, ambition-driven quest to power. However, Macbeth is not simply just “the dead butcher”. He manages to evoke the audience’s sympathy despite his villainy. As we watch him succumbing to evil influences and being crippled by guilt, we feel sympathy for the once noble man. He becomes powerless in his destiny; seeing wrong, far too late

Our first impression of Macbeth is overwhelmingly positive. The audience is given an opportunity to admire “brave Macbeth”. We learn that he is a loyal soldier, worthy of Duncan’s accolade, “valiant cousin”. Macbeth is also presented as securing Scotland’s safety, through the slaying of Macdonwald. All of Macbeth’s achievements render his demise all the more tragic. The audience is left sympathise as he embarks on his rapid path of self-destruction.

As the tragic hero of the play, Macbeth is flawed. His pride and ambition are to his detriment. This becomes apparent to the audience when the witches equivocate, thus revealing Macbeth’s hidden ambition. Banquo also notices how Macbeth is “rapt” by “the instruments of darkness”. He attempts to intervene by offering advice to his friend, Macbeth. However, Macbeth ignores his loyal friend. This furthermore causes the audience sympathise with Macbeth. The witches’ equivocation is the catalyst in the regicide of Duncan. The regicide appals the audience, yet the audience cannot help but feel sympathy for his downfall.

In addition, Macbeth is spurred on to commit regicide by his prideful nature and need to appear courageous and manly. However, Lady Macbeth fears he is “too full o’ the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way”. She exploits his manly pride and exerts her influence and aggressive persuasion to convince him to carry out the act. She does...