Man is in control of world, and consequently of his existence. Since the effervescence of human greatness created by the Renaissance, the superiority of man has been continually accentuated through our culture. However, there still remains the domain of abstract concepts, which cannot be mastered, or even grasped entirely by the most profound member of human civilization. In the realm of these abstract concepts, William Shakespeare had already incorporated the use of different settings and characters to create an almost supernatural environment for his praised plays. The Tragedy of Macbeth proves to be no exception. In effect, in this play tracing the political rise and disastrous fall of a Scottish thane during the feudal times, the characters are dominated by several intangible concepts, whether they are simply nature, ambition, or the more complex effects caused by illusion. In more precise terms, Shakespeare makes a comment on this subject, as his portrayal of Macbeth's gradual deterioration clearly leads to the reader's understanding of the dangers of illusion.

In fact, even before the appearance of the main character, the prevalence of this theme can already be noticed

Even more important and disturbing, however, is the complete fusion of reality and imagination in the tyrant's eyes. Specifically, Macbeth no longer controls his own self, as he cannot confront the "Ghost" of Banquo. In effect, the "horrible shadow" of the assassinated thane continues to torment the king during a grand reception. This failure to maintain a sane attitude in reality results from Macbeth's forceful incorporation of illusion into his everyday life. The dismissal of the guests by Lady Macbeth brings the play to a critical point, as the king has no control over himself, nor over the kingdom. Thus, the impostor comes to a point where he has sacrificed his own self to an unsuccessful ascension to power led by his perceptions. Even time or absolute control of the country cannot erase the dangerous effects of illusion in the real and lived existence of the king. Moreover, Shakespeare accentuates the concept of lack of control through Macbeth's following decisions. In effect, the king decides to visit the witches once again, giving for reason, "More shall they speak, for now I am bent to know/By the worst means the worst". Again, the uncertain man no longer lives by any code that models his society, but rather follows the obscure predictions of the witches who initiated all his present trouble. In short, Macbeth can no longer live without a constant return to a world of equivocation and illusion.

As Act Two opens, another contrast allows Shakespeare to further explore the detrimental effect of Macbeth's illusions. Specifically, the discussion between the two victorious generals again emphasizes the already declining state of Macbeth's honor and mental condition. In effect, in contrast to the conspirator, Banquo can cope with the dreams of future success. In effect, although his sleep is disturbed by "cursed thoughts", he still proclaims that he will keep his "allegiance clear". Again, the far-extending effects of Macbeth's plans are already shown, since the secret and forced ascendance to King Duncan's throne force the protagonist to give up all the principles which lead the men of honor. At this point, Banquo's sense of reality and Macbeth's state of mind clearly start de deviate, as shown by the appearance of a "dagger" during the protagonist's soliloquy. When confronted with the sight of the knife, Macbeth declares, "I have thee not, and yet I see thee still". Just as he cannot grasp the product of his disturbed imagination in this powerful scene, the thane will not be able to successfully handle what the illusions will offer him in the future. In these words, the principle of equivocation emerges again, as all the apparitions that the Scotsman encounters will either turn out to represent something out of reality, or not completely true. As Macbeth himself declares in his tirade, "Mine eyes are made the fools o' th' other senses". In effect, the vision of Macbeth upon reality has been dramatically transformed by his vision of the ideal, and the lord can no longer distinguish the line that separates the truth with the domain of envies, plans and imagination. In other words, Macbeth has been corrupted by illusion even before initiating the murder that will lead to his self-destruction. This is further shown by his attitude after killing Duncan, as he confides to his Lady, "To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself", and affirms his inability to pronounce amen afterwards. The confrontation of illusion and reality has proved disastrous, as Macbeth only realizes the effects caused by his action once the crime is committed. In effect, the vision which he held before the regicide did not anticipate the recurring feelings of guilt and doubt that he would experience afterwards.

This unbearable of state of constant fear and half madness is eventually ended by Macduff's slaying of the "bloodier villain/Than terms can give [him] out." This break of the final moment of suspense also marks the

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Approximate Word count = 2763
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)