Macbeth

Valour's minion or bloody butcher? At the start of Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth", the protagonist has a reputation for heroism; by the last act he is described as a "bloody butcher". It is true that we sympathise with Macbeth at first, particularly because of the way he is influenced by the Witches and Lady Macbeth. Nevertheless, as the play progresses, we ultimately recognise that he has to be held responsible for what happens to him. &…

…figure he presented in the opening battle scenes. However, by the time he dies at the hands of Macduff, it is possible to respond with sympathy. During the course of the play, Macbeth's conduct has become progressively more ruthless and devious. While acknowledging that he was subjected to powerful temptation, we feel that ultimately he has consciously aligned himself with the "instruments of darkness" and thus he does indeed deserve the name of "bloody butcher."