Macbeth
Macbeth(c.1607), written by William Shakespeare, is the tragic tale of Macbeth, a virtuous man, corrupted by power and greed. This tragedy could in fact be called "A Tale of Two Theories". One theory suggests that the tragic hero, Macbeth, is led down an unescapable road of doom by an outside force, namely fate in the form of the three witches. The second suggests that there is no supernatural force working against Macbeth, which therefore makes him responsible for his own actions and inevitable downfall. It must be remembered that Macbethis a literary work of art, and as a piece of art is open to many different interpretations, none of them right and none of them wrong. But the text of the play seems to imply that Macbeth is indeed responsible for his own actions which are provoked by an unwillingness to listen to his own conscience, the witches, and his ambition. First, Macbeth ignores the voice of his own psyche. He knows what he is doing is wrong even before he murders Dun!can, but he allows Lady Macbeth and greed to cloud his judgement. In referring to the idea of the murder of Duncan, Macbeth first states,"We will proceed no further in this business"(I.vii.32). Yet, after speaking with Lady Macbeth he recants and proclaims
ouncements with any actions of his was even hinted by [the withches]"(232). Some are still not convinced though of the witches less than supernatural role; nevertheless, Macbeth appears throughout the play to be completely aware 3 of his actions, as opposed to being contolled by some mystic force. The effect of the witches on the action of the play is best summarized by these words: ...while the influences of the Witches' prophecies on Macbeth is very great, it is quite clearly shown to be an influnce and nothing more.(Bradley 232) Most important to the theory that Macbeth is reponsible for his own actions would be a point that the infamous witches and Macbeth agree upon. Such an element exists in the form of Macbeth's ambiton. In the soliloquy Macbeth gives before he murders Duncan, he states, "...I have no spur/To prick the sides of intent, but only/Vaulting ambition,..."(I.vii.25-27). Are these the words of a man who is merely being led down a self dustructive path of doom,! rder because he is afraid to right his wrongs. Macbeth is "in blood/ Stepp'd in so far that . . . Returning were as tedious as go o'er" (III.iv.136-38). He is so afraid of losing his crown that he feels he must murder Banquo in order to hide his atrocities. Moreover, his deed is not motivated by the desire to safeguard the land or cleanse it of enemies. Obviously, this overwhelming display of fear contradicts the presumption that his actions are a result of ambition. Banquo presents no more harm than a garter snake; it is Macbeth's fear, not ambition, which perceives him venomous and therefore a threat to the land. Lastly, cowardice is the driving force behind Macbeth's visit to the weird sisters. By this time, his life lacked the surety which gives comfort and assurance to one's life. "Macbeth's fear has driven him to seek certainty as his one objective. He wants certainty from the witches, howsoever they may come to know it, and at whatever cost" (Campbell 228). This fear of! taciturn flaw manifests in everyone, often causing a regression into amorality. As the last of William Shakespeare's four great tragedies, Macbeth is a play based more on character than deed. Set in feudal Scotland, the play deftly develops each of the main characters, molding their traits and qualities into an intricate masterpiece surrounding Macbeth, the central character. The play is a journey along the life of Macbeth, capturing him at the apex of his career and following him until his just demise. What causes his sudden deterioration? How does this "worthy gentleman" regress into the ranks of amorality (I.ii.24)? One school of thought attributes Macbeth's degeneration to ambition. Although Macbeth is not lacking in that quality, there lies a greater force within his psyche. "Throughou
Some common words found in the essay are:
IIIiv29 Macbeth, Thane CawdorIiii49, William Shakespeare's, Tale Theories, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth Art, IIi39 Macbeth, Banquo Banquo, Paranoia Macbeth's, Duncan Macbeth, ambition macbeth, weird sisters, kill duncan, macbeth's fear, lady macbeth, murder banquo, own actions, responsible own actions, aid witches, duncan murder, fear unknown, believes word witches,
Approximate Word count = 1864
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
