Final answer:
The end of Shakespeare's Macbeth presents an attitude of condemnation towards the main character, acknowledging his tragic fall from a once noble figure to a tyrant consumed by ambition and deceit. The narrative arc concludes with little sympathy for Macbeth, emphasizing his personal responsibility for his downfall.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the end of Shakespeare's Macbeth, the attitude towards Macbeth can be interpreted in different ways, however, a prevalent view is that of condemnation mixed with a sense of tragic loss. Macbeth's initial loyalty, expressed as 'the loyalty I owe,' underscores a noble quality that is overshadowed by his subsequent actions. This complexity of character is revealed in the quote, 'Who can be wise, amazed, temperate and furious, Loyal and neutral, in a moment?' demonstrating his internal struggle and the conflict between reason and passion.
Furthermore, Macbeth's acknowledgment of the inevitability of time as stated, 'Time and the hour runs through the roughest day,' and his determination to pursue his ambition, 'Into the air,' reveal a character who becomes increasingly untethered from moral constraints. This tragic arc continues as Macbeth resolves to deceive those around him, 'False face must hide what the false heart doth know,' indicating a complete departure from his initial honorable intentions.
The concluding sentiment of the play does not invoke sympathy; Macbeth is a tragic figure undone by his hubris and the horrific acts he commits, irrevocably tainting his legacy. While Macbeth's bravery and previous loyalty do merit acknowledgment, his ultimate downfall is a result of his own choices, spurred by ambition and a willingness to betray. The closing attitude towards Macbeth is largely one of admonishment and reflection on the potential for human downfall when virtue is forsaken for power.