Question

By the end of Act IV, we begin to get a sense of who Macbeth has turned into. Look back at the first three acts, specifically how Macbeth is described by the following characters: The Bloody Soldier (before we meet Macbeth), King Duncan, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth himself. Considering these descriptions as well as Macbeth’s actions in Act IV, explain who you think the real Macbeth is and why.

a) The real Macbeth is a noble and honorable character.
b) The real Macbeth is power-hungry and ruthless.
c) The real Macbeth is a victim of circumstance.
d) The real Macbeth is misunderstood and conflicted.

Answer 1

By the end of Act IV, Macbeth has shifted from a noble hero to a power-hungry tyrant, driven by ambition and manipulation from external influences such as the witches and Lady Macbeth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the character descriptions given throughout Macbeth and his actions by the end of Act IV, it becomes clear that Macbeth is power-hungry and ruthless. Macbeth is first described as a valiant hero by the Bloody Soldier and is honored by King Duncan for his loyalty and achievements. However, his encounter with the witches reveals a deep-seated ambition, and under the influence of Lady Macbeth, he betrays his noble qualities by murdering Duncan to ascend to the throne.

By Act IV, the noble traits initially attributed to Macbeth are overshadowed by his treacherous actions. The transformation of Macbeth's character is clear; he has ordered the murders of Banquo and Macduff's family, showcasing his willingness to sacrifice morality for power. This drastic shift indicates that Macbeth has become characterized more by his ruthless and tyrannical behaviors, aligning with option b) Macbeth is power-hungry and ruthless, rather than being simply a victim of circumstance or misunderstood.