The immense amount of guilt leads to Macbeth questioning if all this was really worth it as he kills a man for his own selfish reasons rather than for an actual cause of helping others. The emotion of regret demonstrates Macbeth's sensitive personality, as he wishes to undo his actions rather than go forward with his wife's plan. The emotions of fear, doubt and guilt portrayed by Macbeth is an outcome of the poor choices he makes. These emotions however lead to the assumption that Macbeth is not proud of his decisions, disregarding the idea of him being a villainous character. .
While selfish deeds form shame, honorable acts of violence expose Macbeth's courageous characteristics, revealing his heroic personality. During the occurrence of war, Macbeth as general battles with bravery and strength both physically and emotionally, in order to protect his nation and honor the King, hence resulting in being named the Thane of Cawdor. " Macbeth behaved like a god of war, popping up miraculously in every part of the battlefield" (William 149). His courage is observed by the noblemen, kinsman and the King himself after the war, as he fearlessly kills a countless number of men from the opposing side. This allows the audience to perceive Macbeth as a hero because his gallant attributes and lack of cowardice is built upon the fact that he is killing men for the sake of his nation rather than dishonoring or deceiving anyone he glorifies for his own selfish reasons. Moreover as Birnam Forest approaches Macbeth, half of him fears the thought of death and consequence towards his crime, and keeps faith on the idea that he will survive. However, the other half of him achieves the strength to accept his defeat. "At least we'll die with harness on our back" (5.5.52). Macbeth's overconfidence and simpleminded anticipations towards the Witches' prophecies he receives and now his title of King overpowers his courageous acceptance towards death.
