Macbeth Growth Motif

A detailed Summary of Macbeth Growth Motif

In Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the audience is able to see various motifs in the dialogue the characters. A motif is a main element that is to be elaborated on. One motif that plays a subtle, but effective component of the play is the "growth" motif.

One of the first signs of the "growth" motif can be noticed in Act One, Scene 3 (lines 58-60) where Banquo declares, "If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear your favors nor your hate." Banquo is asking the witches which one of these seeds is he? He wants to know if he'll become successful or just another average "flower." He shows uncertainty towards the witches' prophecies, but at this point his curiosity urges him to ask this question.

In Act One, Scene 5 (lines 27-33), Duncan says, "I have begun to plant thee, and will labor to make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo, thou hast no less deserved, nor must be known no less t

Later, in Act Three, Scene 4, Macbeth utters lines 28-32, which say "...There the grown serpent lies; the worm that's fled hath nature that in time will venom breed. No teeth for the present..." This is where Macbeth continues his lie about the "evil" Banquo, even after his murder. He calls Banquo a serpent (devil), and if he were to live, he would be dangerous. He says they're lucky to have caught him this early. This aids in plot and characterization by showing that Macbeth will carry on with his lies and sinful deeds, and he won't turn back.

In Act Three, Scene 1, Macbeth slowly grows more hateful of Banquo, and this is shown in lines 69-70 that says, " Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings-the seed of Banquo kings!" These lines are meant to make fun of Banquo. Macbeth doesn't believe Banquo's descendents would be fit to be kings. This is one of the first steps Macbeth's loathe towards Banquo.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Act Scene, Duncan Banquo, , Banquo Macbeth, Noble Banquo, act scene, act scene 3, growth motif, scene 3, kings lines,

Approximate Word count = 664
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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