Macbeth Essay ‘Lady Macbeth is the true villain of the story’ - Discuss Despite Shakespeare’s play Macbeth being primarily about the titular character, Lady Macbeth plays a vital role as the true villain of the story. With the stereotype of ‘good vs. evil’, Lady Macbeth is the main ‘evil’ influence. Being in the position of Lord Macbeth’s wife is something Lady Macbeth uses to the fullest extent, suggesting the murder of Duncan for their own benefit and ensuring that it is followed through; it is here where Lady Macbeth’s character is used as a catalyst. The character that is Lady Macbeth herself is quite a peculiar one; with her theatrical personality and eccentric way of thinking, Lady Macbeth is the true villain of the story. To begin with, Lady Macbeth fulfils the basis for all narrative writing: the complication.
Although, Macbeth takes the dagger and kills King Duncan, Lady Macbeth was the one who planned to kill him that night and frame his guards. I believe that Lady Macbeth played a huge part in the murder of King Duncan. Macbeth was ambitious about becoming King, yet, at moments he felt uneasy about the idea of murdering Duncan. Lady Macbeth convinced him otherwise challenging his manhood and planning the murder to the finer details. Lady Macbeth went to great measures to make sure Duncan was killed; she even called upon the evil spirits to aid her.
“(1.3.47-49) These three lines are extremely crucial to the play because it gives Macbeth his beginning thoughts toward receiving the throne. Shakespeare made the witches deceive Macbeth and Banquo who begin to believe they are invincible and have much to look forward to. This proves misogyny in Shakespeare because it ultimately put the witches to blame for all the horrible events in the play. Shakespeare also portrays his misogyny through Macbeth as he belittles the witches by saying, “How now, you secret, black and midnight hags.” (4.1.47) In Shakespeare’s era, chivalry and respect toward women was big. By having a character in his play say this to three so called women, seems
The witches’ prophesies create Macbeth’s lust for power. They steer his mind on a path. This is a path that he would have inevitably followed but did not have the courage to do so. Then Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to commit the murder of King Duncan. This murder leads to the death of many people that may not have died if Macbeth did not kill Duncan.
Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! THIRD WITCH: All hail, Macbeth that shalt be king hereafter! (I.iii.49-51). This quote shows that the witches have control over Macbeth, since he is thrown into their world and pushed on to verify their predictions. This plays a major role in Macbeth s greed.
“The witches drive Macbeth to his destruction. Discuss” In the tragedy, Macbeth, the witches, despite having a significant influence in his downfall, are not solely to blame. With their vague prophecies, they spark the hidden ambition in Macbeth and lure him into a path of violence. Yet, it is Macbeth who chooses to let ambition control his actions, making the crucial decisions which take him towards destruction. His decisions are, however, to some extent, made under the influence of Lady Macbeth, who manipulates him in every way to guide him to success.
This illusion is one of the witches, sowing the seeds of murder in Macbeth, and ultimately, immediately after he murders Duncan. Further, Macbeth again visits the witches, this time in a plead for further knowledge and is met with additional illusions. Before though, Hecate meets with the witches and states, “Shall raise such artificial sprites / As by the strength of their illusion / Shall draw him on to his confusion: / He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear”(Shakespeare 3.6.26-29). The witches use apparitions to further influence Macbeth this time leading him down a false path. By doing this, Macbeth becomes arrogant and feels invincible.
Know the witches have come and told Macbeth with mysterious messages of the future. Of him being thane of Cowdor and then King. Then he discovered he is the thane of cowdor. Know sly Macbeth is know thinking if that was right maybe this is right. Macbeth quotes: “If chance may have me king, why
In the exposition of the play, the witches told Macbeth that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. They also warn him about what to look out for. Macbeth is characterized as a brave soldier and a powerful man who is rather easily tempted and convinced. After hearing about these wonderful things from the witches, Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth, who lusts for power and position, manipulates Macbeth to achieve the prophecy and let nothing stand in his way. The first step was to kill King Duncan, who was the current King of Scotland.
As the play progresses, it is evident that Macbeth is tempted by the witches and has become evil by the catalyst of their powers. The reader recognizes the mental weakness Macbeth really has even though he has power in ambition. The varying points of view of a play give the author more power for audience to become involved with the actions on stage. For example, Macbeth in one of his soliloquies says whole heartedly, "I am his kinsman and his subject," about the thoughts of killing Duncan only to be later plauged by vision of "thy blade and dudgeons gouts of blood." This first person point of view allows the audience to know Macbeth's thoughts that no other character in the play can.