Choices affect life style. What is the purpose of Macbeth? In both Macbeth and Great Expectations, we are presented with a character whose choices shape the plot and direction of the story. In Macbeth, it can be argued that Shakespeare uses Macbeth’s choices in order to deliver a moral lesson – that crime does not pay. It can be suggested that Shakespeare presents this character in a negative light throughout the play in order to have the audience view his choices and actions negatively too.
Shakespeare has linked scene i and scene ii by having the characters in both scenes discuss a battle and Macbeth. The witches’ discussion about “When the battle’s lost and won” only becomes clarified when the soldier comes to tell of Macbeth’s victory. This gives an effect of mystery and intrigue about Macbeth, for we have only heard about him thus
This is the first time we see where the power lies, and this dynamic proves that it resides with Lady Macbeth; she's the one that's controlling things, despite the times. One prime example of Lady Macbeth's manipulations is seen where she mocks Macbeth as he resolves not to commit regicide, claiming that he'll only be a man when the crime is committed. (Act 1.7.49). The play sets it out so that Lady Macbeth is the perceived symbol of
Banquo, Macbeth’s character foil, is one great character. He can even be regarded as Macbeth’s doppelgänger. When the three witches give him his prophecy he remains skeptic and he keeps bringing up the witches when he talks to Macbeth. Compared to Macbeth, Banquo possess way more honor and nobility. He looks for help in
Through the ‘Two Truths’ soliloquy, Shakespeare establishes the character of Macbeth in the readers’ mind, as this is our first insight of him. Therefore this is the basis from which we judge him as he undergoes a series of transformations throughout the play. At this stage, Shakespeare presents us with a logical man who is a rational thinker by employing a logical structure throughout the soliloquy, which weighs both the pros and con of the witches and the prophecy. Its use of paradox “cannot be ill; cannot be good” followed by rhetorical questions show a man who is objective but cynical about his meeting. This is reinforced by his rejection of imagery through the us use of personification, “whose horrific image doth unfix his hair” which shows Macbeth is a man who is sensible enough to dismiss the prophecy, however, he has also thought about what he can do to become King.
Shakespeare presents villains in a way that entices the audience through his way or words and techniques used. He makes us wonder who the actual villain is in this story and plays with emotions such as guilt, sympathy and paranoia. I will be analysing Shakespeare's use of language, how he shows the change of character in Macbeth through his choice of words, and what the true meaning of a villain actually is by comparing Shakespeare's work and use of literature with three other well known poems. Throughout the story line of Macbeth, Shakespeare has shown a stark contrast between Macbeths' original personality to the one that he had finally developed. Starting from a victorious, respectable, glorified hero who was a ruthless killing machine, Macbeth then turns into a paranoid, merciless and unstable character which Shakespeare is able to shape, due to the various factors that would change Macbeth.
Ambition has an immediate effect on Macbeth right from the start of the play. His ruthless seeking after power is the tragic flaw that causes his downfall. When the witches tell Macbeth that he will become King, his interest is instantly aroused. The third witch greets Macbeth, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter,” this creates an ambition in Macbeth that is unseen before this remark. He is filled with thoughts of betrayal and is eager to become King.
However, the most incredible of all these passages is found in Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 164-177, where Macbeth contemplates his inner thoughts to himself. Here, Macbeth speaks to time, providing the audience with a more in depth image of its importance. Also, Macbeth’s diction is short and fierce, further pushing the play’s theme of insanity slowly taking over Macbeth’s mind. Lastly, the passage faultlessly illustrates Macbeth’s fatal flaw of ambition slowly ruining his inner being. With these things taken into account, it will be effortless for one to show just how lovely this passage is
This new event come to reduce Macbeth’s anxiety but increase his hesitation: his speech is full of opposition and wonderings « Cannot be ill, cannot be good [..] why do I yield to that suggestion ». Macbeth, after having known his future according to the prophecy, seems not sure about his feelings his ambition and cannot dissociate bad and good. He is self satisfied of his new position but he was also with the older position; so that uncertainty, created by the witches’ prophecy, makes him uncomfortable. Lady Macbeth, after having read his husband’s letter informing her about the witches’ prophecy and its partly reliability, saw her passion and lust come into play; she is sure about the prophecy effectiveness and seem ready for nothing in order to make those predications true. First she doubt of her husband’s ambition and rigorousness and she’s afraid of
He then begins about the prophecy of becoming king, which then led to thoughts of murder. Thus, the witches use that act of equivocation to their advantage. Different characters in Macbeth use equivocation and most often it is one that has a double meaning. One in particular is when Lady Macbeth states: “In every point twice done and then done double, Were poor and single business to contend Against those honors deep and broad wherewith Your majesty loads our house. For those of old, And the late dignities heap’d up to them, We rest your hermits”.