tant to his wife. Macbeth does not continue to go to her for advice. He even tells the doctor to cure her of her mental illness, and makes no effort himself to help cure her. (5.3.49-55) When Lady Macbeth dies, Macbeth states, " She should have died hereafter. There would have been time for such a word." He hears the news of his wife's death, and reacts nonchalant and unemotional. Finally, Macbeth's changing character is revealed not merely in his roles as a general and a husband, but as a king as well. Macbeth is such a strong ruler that he frightens Duncan's two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain into fleeing Scotland. These men fear the wrath of their king so intensely that they feel the need to run and hide. Malcolm explains "This murderous shaft that's not hath yet lighted, and our safest way is to avoid aim. Therefore to horse, and let us not be dainty of leave - lacking but shift away."(2.3.167-171) Macbeth is also such a strong ruler that he can get away with murder. He succeeds in killing Banquo, fellow commander of the Scottish army. He hired three murderers to do the job for fear of Banquo's suspicion in the murder of Duncan. (3.3) The more Macbeth tries to cover up, the more powerless he becomes as King. He does not succeed in killing Fleance; Macbeth is powerless to stop Fleance's escape. (3.4.22) Macbeth is out of control. He winds up being murdered by MacDuff, leaving Malcolm as ruler of Scotland. This event leaves everyone acclaiming "Hail king of Scotland." (5.8.70) to their new king.The multiple roles of Macbeth as a general, a husband and a king all show his changing character throughout Macbeth. The play portrays the complete evolution of Macbeth's personality. It follows him from being a respectable person down the shameful path he takes to self-destruction. Everything about Macbeth falls apart and he loses control. Shakespeare's message is that nothing good comes out of destroying others on your way to the top, even if yo...
