Macbeth by William Shakespeare

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Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Macbeth, one of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedies, is set in Scotland. Returning from battle with his companion Banquo, the nobleman, Macbeth meets with three witches. They predict that Macbeth will initially become the Thane of Cawdor and then king of Scotland. Macbeth privately has ambitions of being king and enjoys the ideas of becoming the head of the country. After the first part of the witches' prophecy comes true, early in the play, he begins to think the subsequent part may also come true. Encouraged after continuous unrest from his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth murders King Duncan, while he is a guest in his castle. Macbeth then seizes the throne of Scotland.

But Macbeth has no peace. Duncan's sons, Malcom and Donalbain, have escaped to England, where they seek support against Macbeth. In addition, the witches had also prophesized that Banquo's progeny would be kings of Scotland. Macbeth consequently instructs the murder of Banquo and his son, Fleance. Macbeth's men kill Banquo, but Fleance escapes under his father’s cry,

O treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!

Thou mayst revenge. O slave!

Act 3. Scene 3. 17-18

Macbeth is now hardened to killing. He orders the murder of the wife and children of his enemy Macduff, who had fled to England after Duncan's murder (Act 2. Scene 1). Macduff then gathers an army to overthrow Macbeth. By this time, Lady Macbeth, burdened with guilt over the murders, has become a sleepwalker. She finally dies a few scenes before the play concludes. In the end, Macduff kills Macbeth in battle. Duncan's son Malcolm is then proclaimed king of Scotland.

During this period of time, the characters, as well ...

... middle of paper ...

... his thoughts and his actions. Lady Macbeth acts as the ”innocent flower under the serpent” and as the progresses the truth unravels. She is the one who has caused most of the tragedies.

The bitter humor of the play also reinforces the tragic action on a slight basis in Macbeth.

Bibliography:

1. Macbeth by Roma Gill

Published in 1977

Oxford University Press

2. Macbeth by Barry Dahms

Published in 1998

Science Press

3. Shakespeare’s Imagery and what it tells us by Caroline Spurgeon

Published in 1935

Cambridge University Press

4. Macbeth by Jennifer Mulherin

Published in 1988

Cherrytree Books

5. Shakespeare at a Glance by William Steele

Published in 1989

Tynron Press

6. The Graphic Shakespeare Series: Macbeth by Hilary Burningham

Published in 1997

Evans Brothers Limited

7. Video Recording: Macbeth

Columbia Pictures

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