Good Vs Evil
Gill, Pav, Bassel
Good Vs Evil is a core theme in Macbeth. It is
evident throughout the play and is shown in
most narratives and films. Good versus evil is
the conflict between two people, groups,
nations etc where one of the forces is clearly
doing what is wrong (evil) and the other is
trying to prevent them (Good). In most cases,
the good side overcome the evil and everyone
is better off.
The first example of Good vs Evil we see in Macbeth is the
three witches. Witches have always considered to be an evil
being throughout history that exercise witchcraft and sorcery.
This description is no exception in Macbeth. They inform
Macbeth of his glorious future where he will become king. By
doing this, they have planted the seeds of Macbeths evil
thoughts and ambitions. They see Macbeths future and say
“All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail,
Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”. When Macbeth
receives his thane of cawdor title he already has dark
thoughts of murdering his king and taking his throne.
Another good example of Good vs Evil in Macbeth is
the conversation between Macbeth and Banquo. In this
scene, Banquo mentions the witches prophecy to
Macbeth. Macbeth then tells Banquo, “If you shall
cleave to my consent, when ’tis, It shall make honor for
you.” Macbeth is secretly implying that he may become
king sooner then expected and if Banquo stays on his
side then he will be made powerful. However, Banquo
responds honorably saying he will do whatever is asked
of him as long as he remains with a clear conscience. It
is clear that Banquo will stay faithul to is king and do
the right thing.
In Act 3 scene 1, Macbeth commits yet another
act of pure evil. He hires mercenaries to
assassinate his good friend Banquo and also his
son. His reason behind this is that the witches
prophesised that Banquo’s children will become
king and this makes Macbeth feel threatened.
He tell the murderers, “Who wear our health
but sickly in his life, Which in his death were
perfect.” What he is saying to them is that whilst
Banquo and his son are alive, he feels sick and
the only cure is to kill them.
In act 4 Macbeth commands the extermination
of Macduff’s entire castle. We can see now that
Macbeth has officially become an evil character
who is driven by an urge to maintain his power.
Even defenceless women and children are slain
by his command. Macduff is enraged by this act
of evil and swears to achieve revenge. At this
point it is clear that Macduff represents good
and Macbeth represents evil.
In the final act of Macbeth, Macduff and his
army reach Macbeth’s castle only to find that
Macbeth’s soldiers had deserted him. Macduff
duels him eventually defeats him. This shows us
how if you are a bad/evil person, your followers
will not being willing to fight for you and are
more likely to flee when you are at your
weakest. This is a perfect example of how evil
wont triumph over good.