Macbeth rough draft

    When things go smoothly, it is easy to be happy.  However, when faced with challenge and controversy, that is when morality is tested.  Anyone can be happy when things go right, but can react questionably when challenged.  Success and power should not be given,  they have to be earned.  The need for power is one of the most ruthless and merciful desires.  In the novel, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, power overtakes moral character proving that any type of success will turn a man evil.
 
    No one is born evil, they become that way, through circumstance and choice.  In the book, Macbeth was well-respected and righteous.  "The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, Pays itself.. Which do but what they should, by doing everything safe toward your love and honor."   (1.4.22-24) The judgement of someone should not be based on reputation, but by the righteousness of that person.  Often times, people put on a "mask" pretending to be someone they're not.  However, when faced with challenges and competition their true colors come out.  "I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none."  (1.7.45-46). Being highly thought of by others, while gaining power motivates a person to do many things whether they are right or wrong.  Power changes people by taking over their lives, eventually destroying it.
 
    The way a person overcomes challenges while trying to obtain power and success defines their character.  “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’edge o’th’sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls.”  (4.1.150-153)  Macbeth believed many people were out to get him and ended up murdering them and their family so they could not accede his throne.  He was cruel and heartless.  He did everything in his power to keep a person from taking over his reign.  “I have supped full with horrors; direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts”. (5.5.14-15) In the beginning of the book, Macbeth was a good, well-respected man in his town.  Over time, he became ruthless and evil trying to gain more and more power.

    With all the wrongdoings a person may commit, there comes a form of punishment.  “Infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.’’ (5.1.64-65)  Lady Macbeth committed an act of murder and wished to be feelingless.  As time passed, she was overtaken by guilt and eventually killed herself.  “Yet I will try the last.  Before my body I throw my warlike shield.”  (5.7.61-62)   The punishment Lady Macbeth and Macbeth served for all their crimes were their unhappy disgruntledness.   Macbeth gained power through all his crimes, but in return lost his happiness and his wife.

     Power can cloud a person's judgement causing them to make unreasonable, hasty decisions.  The need for power and success is so strong that a person will do anything, no matter the consequences, just to gain it.  Happiness is corrupted in the pursuit of trying to gain power.  Often times, happiness is cast aside so that power can be accrued.

Macbeth Act 2 quiz

1. In your opinion, is Lady Macbeth a cold-blooded murderer? Why or why not?
Yes, Lady Macbeth is a cold-blooded murderer.  Unlike her husband, she does not feel remorse towards the murder that they committed.  Although Macbeth did the actual murder, his wife was the one who suggested and provoked him into doing it.  

-Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the dead

 -A dreadful sight' - that's stupid"

2. Lady Macbeth has her own antics throughout the play. Why does Lady Macbeth faint in Act II? Does it serve its purpose? Explain.
For numbers 1-4 provides textual evidence (direct quotes) to support your answers. At least two quotes per answer.

Lady Macbeth faints in Act 2 to display her shock after "finding out" about the murder of King Duncan.  Although she already knew about his murder because she committed the act, she had to pretend to be astounded so her people would not suspect her of anything.  Macbeth and the lady hadn't even been considered as suspects so yes, it serves its purpose.  

-Are stol’n away and fled, which puts upon them / Suspicion of the deed

-"No woman could survive the telling"

3. How does Macbeth's attitude toward Duncan change after the murder? 
After committing the murder, Macbeth instantly regrets what he did.  He feels grief and sorrow, wishing he never did what his wife wanted him to do.  Although he was now king, the feeling he felt would never go away. 

-I’ll go no more: / I am afraid to think what I have done; / Look on’t again I dare not.

"-Wake Duncan with your knocking! I wish you could!"

4. If so pressuring on Macbeth, why didn't Lady Macbeth kill the king instead of Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth did not kill the king, because she claimed he looked like her father when he slept.  Instead, she pushed Macbeth to do it telling him he was a coward and barely a man.  She was clearly the dominant one in the relationship. 

-"'If Duncan hadn't looked like my father in his sleep, I'd have done it myself'""'If Duncan hadn't looked like my father in his sleep, I'd have done it myself'"

-These deeds must not be thought / After these ways; so, it’ will make us mad.

5. Now that Macbeth has killed the king, do you think he must do anything else to reign as king? Explain your answer.
I think that as Macbeth reigns as king, he should keep an eye out for the sons of Duncan or anyone else that will try to kill him for his role.  He should not have to do too much because he is already highly respected and will be worshipped as king.  
Part II:​