Analytical Essay on Macbeth

Analytical Essay on Macbeth

  • Submitted By: revulk
  • Date Submitted: 02/28/2011 4:52 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 598
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 2

Macbeth Essay

In the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, we see the usual good verse evil themes portrayed but with a sly twist, the three witches. The three witches are simply using Macbeth as part of a game so they can amuse themselves. Although Macbeth may have had thoughts about murdering Duncan, he just as quickly thinks of reasons why he should not intervene with fate by committing a murder. Lady Macbeth also plays a major part in Macbeth’s decision to murder Duncan by playing with his mind and questioning his manly hood. Macbeth is a victim of forces beyond his control concluding that his downfall was not self inflicted.

The three witches have Macbeth like a puppet, controlling his decisions and ultimately driving him to insanity and death. They play mind games with him and leave him guessing about what they really mean when they foretell that he will become king. “Stay you imperfect speakers, tell me more.” The witches leave Macbeth with their prophecies in hope that he will become impatient and act foolishly without thinking about the consequences. The three witches planted the seeds of destruction in Macbeth’s mind and he couldn’t resist the temptation of becoming king. He starts having thoughts about murdering Duncan although he is one of his most honoured soldiers. “If good, why do I yield to that suggestion, Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair.” But he soon realises after this that he shouldn’t need to interfere with destiny since he became Thane of Cawdor without any interference. “Chance may crown me, without my stir.”

One of Macbeth’s biggest mistakes was telling Lady Macbeth about his prophecies from the three witches. Lady Macbeth craved power once she had heard the prophecy and she wasn’t going to stop at anything to get it. She immediately had the thought of murder in her mind and convinced Macbeth that it was a necessary option and starts to plan the murder and is determined to end Duncan’s time as king. “O, never,...

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