In act one of Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, the reader is introduced to the character, Macbeth. While reading, one finds it easy to perceive Macbeth as a virtuous man. Clearly through Macbeth's actions, he tries to always do what is right. Clearly through Macbeth's opinions and thoughts, he recognizes what is wrong. Bravery, loyalty, and honesty are just some of the qualities Macbeth possesses. .
Macbeth is revealed to be a good man in numerous parts of act one. Almost as soon as the play begins the King listens as the captain tells him a story of Macbeth's bravery. While fighting a battle against the rebel, Macdonwald, the outcome looks grim for Macbeth's men, but using his courage and strength he becomes victorious:.
And Fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,.
Showed like a rebels whore: but all's too weak:.
For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name-.
Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel,.
Which smoked with bloody execution. (I.ii.14-19).
Macbeth's loyalty to his king is, also, found in act one. For instance, when the king offers Macbeth payment for his battle triumph, Macbeth assures him "The service and the loyalty I owe,/ In doing it pays itself. Your Highness" part/ Is to receive our duties- (I.iv.22-24).
Later, during Macbeth's soliloquy in scene seven, he realizes by murdering the king he would be a traitor, when he says, "First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,/ Strong both against the deed; then as his host,/ Who should against his murdered shut the door,/ Not bear the knife myself (I.vii.13-16). Finally, Macbeth tries to speak to Lady Macbeth about putting an end to their plan of killing the king altogether. "We will proceed no further in this business:/ He hath honored me of late, and I have bought/ Golden opinions from all sorts of people,/ Which would be worn now in their newest glow (I.vii.81-84) Macbeth knows that he is being dishonest to others and to himself taking the life of a man who had honored him.
