Macbeth

Macbeth

Throughout the play, there are several occasions which may either be interpreted as manipulation of

Macbeth’s character, or more dramatically as prophecies of his inevitable destiny. The most important of these elements are the supernatural witches. When Macbeth first meets the Witches (I.iii.) – seemingly by accident – they call him titles which have not yet been bestowed upon him. It is unclear whether the Witches plant the idea of earning these titles by foul play to Macbeth’s head, or whether it is a prophecy of future. Either way, their words eventually become reality.

The further encounters with the Weyward Sisters and

Hecate strengthens the idea of a preset destiny. The three apparitions summoned by the witches (IV.i.) and the prophecies that go together with them are all visions of the future. Unfortunaly for Macbeth he manages to read these manifestations of his destiny all wrong.

Another important ’fatal’ element for Macbeth is

Lady Macbeth. She is also heavily manipulating Macbeth

(II.ii.), although she does not have the supernatural qualities of the Witches. She is clearly a woman driven by an infinite lust for power. However, the only way for her to fulfill her personal agenda is through her husband, Macbeth. Lady Macbeth’s character can be easily interpreted as a manifestation of the darker side of the human mind, an instrument between Macbeth and the realization of his inevitable destiny.

When Macbeth has become King and felt power, he doesn't want to give it up. At first he wasn't at peace because he wanted the throne, but hesitated to carry out the murder. Now that he has the throne, he loses his peace with the prospect of losing the crown. His only choice now is to kill Banquo and Fleance. He is trying to work against prophecy – the third apparition – something he never learns not to do.

While Macbeth carries out his dark deeds, he becomes a somewhat different person; he no longer possesses control over his destiny. His head becomes filled with images of murder, ghosts and other signs of a disturbed mind. The vision of the dagger (II.i.) is the earliest example of the duality and unstability of his character.

Macbeth’s mind is contemplating the murder of Duncan, but he clearly hasn’t come to terms with it.

After he has carried out the murder, Macbeth is able to keep a mask of innocence. When he has the doubtful

Banquo murdered, and his ghost appears to haunt him