Similarities:
1. Unquenchable Ambition: Both Macbeth and Walter White are driven by an insatiable ambition for power and status. Macbeth's desire to become king leads him to commit heinous acts, while Walter's motivations stem from his need to provide for his family and secure their financial future.
2. Moral Decline: As their stories progress, both Macbeth and Walter experience a significant decline in their moral compass. Macbeth's initial guilt over killing Duncan gradually gives way to a ruthless pursuit of power, while Walter's descent into the drug trade leads him to make increasingly immoral decisions.
3. Guilt and Paranoia: Both characters are plagued by guilt and paranoia as their actions have unintended consequences. Macbeth becomes increasingly haunted by visions of Banquo's ghost, symbolizing his guilt, while Walter's paranoia about potential enemies leads him to isolate himself from those closest to him.
Differences:
1. Tragic Hero vs. Antihero: Macbeth is traditionally considered a tragic hero, a character who falls from grace due to their own flaws and hubris. Walter White, on the other hand, is an antihero, a morally complex character who exhibits both positive and negative traits. While Macbeth is remorseful for his actions, Walter rationalizes and justifies his choices.
2. Family and Relationships: While both Macbeth and Walter are driven by their love for their families, the nature of their relationships differs significantly. Macbeth's bond with his wife, Lady Macbeth, is central to his story, with their mutual ambition fueling their actions. Walter's relationship with his family is more strained and complicated as his choices jeopardize their safety and well-being.
3. Role of Fate and Prophecy: Macbeth's actions are influenced by the witches' prophecies, setting in motion a chain of events that lead to his downfall. Walter's trajectory, however, is largely shaped by his own decisions, emphasizing the concept of personal responsibility.
In conclusion, while both Macbeth and Walter White share similarities in terms of their ambitious pursuits and moral decline, their characters diverge in certain aspects, such as their roles as tragic hero vs. antihero and the role of fate vs. personal responsibility in their respective journeys.