The Power of Intuition, At It's Worst

Prior to the miniscule reign of Macbeth, countless people were murdered. This included everyone that threatened Macbeth emotionally and also everyone in relation to that character. For instance, when Macbeth had Duncan killed Malcolm and Donalbain (Duncan’s sons) fled. Likewise when he had the murderers kill Banquo, Banquo’s son Fleance managed to escape. The last person to worry about was Macduff. Although he could not kill Macduff, due to his conciliation in England, he did go after everyone that resided in his home. This concluded Macbeth’s “thought out” plan to become King. However, the blood from these innocent families brought only guilt to Macbeth’s conscience; so why did he do it? Many say that he was driven by Lady Macbeth, but no one can make you do the unthinkable; there had to have been a voluntary choice to kill. Everyday human beings are presented with situations that need his discretion. Whether he makes a decision based on evidence, outside influences, or impulsivity it is still his name that represents that choice. Why else would the title of this Shakespearean play be named Macbeth? Macbeth made these choices, thus creating his own destiny. However, his inability to make his own choices, without the voiced opinions of others, was what transformed him from a respected war hero to a power hungry monster.

Prior to Macbeth’s transition it was very apparent that Macbeth was insecure about his future role as King. He never felt comfortable in his own shoes; even people of little importance intimidated him. This lack of self-belief leaves Macbeth striving for more and more power, which means more people had to die. Of course for this to happen, for choices to be made, Macbeth needed the counsel and the...

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...rue to himself. The biggest decisions

that he made throughout the play were only completed because he got the reassurance

of others. This delineates how nefarious and greedy Macbeth is as a nobleman and as a

King. In fact, the one quality that Malcolm shared in Act four sums up all of what

Macbeth is. When Malcolm was trying to come off as this lustful and greedy man he said:

And many more-having would be as a sauce

To make me hunger more, that I should forge

Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal,

Destroying them for wealth. (4.3.96-9)

Macbeth wanted his fellow man’s wealth; the wealth that he referred to of course was the throne. Perhaps if Macbeth stayed true to himself he would have become King. It was not necessary to take out everyone in line just to get what you wanted. Destiny would have fulfilled itself if it had not been provoked.