William Shakespeare's Macbeth
analytical Essay
874 words
William Shakespeare's Macbeth
“Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.”(Voltaire) means
that the more power one has the more corrupt they become. One that has
power generally abuses it. In Macbeth many different people have
power, and each use their power in a different way. Lady Macbeth and
the three witches, they have power over Macbeth, playing on his
emotions, superstitions and especially his fatal flaw- Ambition.
Macbeth has little power over his equals so his ambitions cause him to
reach for other powers.
At the opening of the play Macbeth is hailed as brave, the hero of the
battle against Norway. The captain says “Brave Macbeth well he
deserves that name”, (I,ii,16) and later to show his hunters skill
against the invaders “As sparrows, eagles or the hare, the
lion”,(I,ii,35)
Duncan, the king calls him “Noble Macbeth”,(I,ii,66) in recognition of
his brave deeds and loyalty to his king. The king then ironically
gave him the title of Thane of Cawdor because the previous thane
betrayed the king “No more that Thane of Cawdor deceive…. And with his
former title greet Macbeth”, (I,iii,63). We catch a glimpse of how
well the witches play on his ambition when he thinks immediately of
their proposition once Duncan mentions naming his heir.
By the end of the play Macbeth is regarded as a tyrant, he kills
indiscriminately to hold on to power. He also shows arrogance and
disdain when dismissing medicine because it cannot save Lady Macbeth.
In his speech on hearing of his wife Lady Macbeth’s death he tries to
pass on responsibility by blaming everything on fate, likening himself
to an actor on the stage “ Life’s but a walking shadow that struts and
frets his hour on the stage”, (V,v,23).
From the first time heard the witches’ predictions Macbeth was haunted
by them. The fact that the first two (becoming thane of Glamis and
Thane of Cawdor) came true affects Macbeth. He believes he will not
have to do anything to become King “If chance will have me King then
In this essay, the author
- Explains that in william shakespeare's macbeth, the more power one has the corrupter one becomes. lady and the three witches use their power in different ways, playing on his emotions, superstitions and ambition.
- Analyzes how macbeth has little power over his equals so his ambitions cause him to reach for other powers. he is hailed as brave, the hero of the battle against norway.
- Analyzes how the witches play on his ambition when he thinks immediately of their proposition once duncan mentions naming his heir.
- Analyzes how macbeth is regarded as a tyrant by the end of the play. he kills indiscriminately to hold on to power.
- Analyzes how macbeth was haunted by the witches' predictions. the fact that the first two came true affects him. he believes he will not have to do anything to become king.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is a strong-minded woman who would have plucked her nipple from her child's boneless gums, and dashed the brains out.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth's deep rooted ambition is contrasted with her mental anguish after the murder.
- Analyzes how macbeth scorns him for his hallucinations, but after the murder of banquo and lady macduff, she starts to sleepwalk and talk, rubbing her hands continually to get the blood off.
- Analyzes how macbeth's increasing ambition shields him from moral repercussions after killing duncan. the witches convince him he is invincible with three visions each feeding his ambition
- Analyzes how macbeth exploits his superstitions, including an armed head, bloody child, and a crown and tree.
- Analyzes how the witches show a procession of eight kings and finally banquos' ghost following. the second and third visions convince macbeth that he shall never be beaten.
- Analyzes how malcolm and macduff hide behind the trees and bring ‘great birnam wood’ to dunsinane hill. macbeth ambition is the biggest reason for his fall.
- Analyzes how macbeth realizes he might have to kill duncan to be king, but his better nature fights his ambition and tells lady that if she hadn't given him the final nudge, the whole business would have been left to fate.
- Analyzes how macbeth kills duncan, banquo, lady macduff, and the others, but after assuaging the guilt of this murder, his conscience doesn't bother him. only his ambition spurs him on.
- Analyzes how macbeth is still a tragic character because we find he is suffering an living hell without the blessing of sleep.
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- William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare's Macbeth In the tragic play "Macbeth", by William Shakespeare, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth decide, to kill King Duncan. In the play, we see the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth transform in their personality after murdering the King. Macbeth begins the play as a noble soldier, gradually changing into an ambitious murdering man. Similarly, Lady Macbeth is ambitious but she begins as a rebellious woman who dominates her husband, gradually changing into a guilt ridden, and weak woman.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the characters in william shakespeare's "macbeth" transform after killing king duncan.
- Analyzes how macbeth begins the play as a noble and trustworthy soldier, but three witches tell him three prophecies that gradually change her into greedy, untrustworthy.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is overruled by her ambition, which is one of the main themes in the book, and encourages her husband to kill the king.
- Narrates how a king's men greets macbeth and banquo and gives great news to him.
- Analyzes how macbeth begins to think that the witches are speaking the truth and one day he will become king. he travels to the king who officially names him thane of cawdor.
- Narrates how lady macbeth conspires with her husband to kill duncan so that she can become king.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth taunts him by saying he is not manly enough to commit such a crime. duncan's body is discovered and everyone is told that his killers were his guards.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth was at fault for the first tragedy, but she is feeling guilty, leading to more murders, including the murder of his ex-best friend banquo.
- Analyzes how macbeth places all his trust in the witches' prophecies. he clearly changed from a noble, trustworthy soldier, to disloyal, murdering man.
- Analyzes how the three new prophecies give macbeth the impression that no one can harm him.
- Concludes that the tragedies of macbeth were not at all his.
646 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare's Macbeth In the play "Macbeth" written by William Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous and frightening female characters. At the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth is introduced as a dominant, controlling, cold-blooded wife with an obsessive ambition to achieve kingship for her husband. Her personality begins to change drastically as the play progresses; it gradually disintegrates through a false portrayal of unyielding strength, an unsteady control of her husband and shifting involvement with supernatural powers. Her weak, sheltered, unsure and unstable condition is only revealed at the end of the play.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is one of shakespeare's most famous and frightening female characters. she is a dominant, controlling, cold-blooded wife with an obsessive ambition to achieve kingship for her husband.
- Analyzes how the play gradually disintegrates through a false portrayal of unyielding strength, an unsteady control of her husband, and shifting involvement with supernatural powers.
- Analyzes how macbeth is a strong person, and she must seem stronger to convince him to go along with her.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth has the persuasiveness capable of humiliating someone into murder, but has no personal capacity to execute "the dead".
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is feeble-minded and overwhelmed with guilt at the end of the play. she convinces her husband to commit the murders.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth's sensitivity becomes a weakness and she is unable to cope.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth's shifting control over her husband is mainly responsible for aggravating the struggle between her morality, devotion and "vaulting ambition."
- Analyzes how the woman's technique with macbeth has changed from shock and intimidation to restraint. the fire she once had, which drove her forward, is now no more than a minute spark.
- Compares lady macbeth's fear of her infanticide analogy with her impulsiveness and instability. when she recognizes her incompetence, all else crumbles.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth's relationship with the supernatural evolves from confidently seeking and obtaining the evilness, to being victimized by its power.
- Analyzes how macbeth embraces the darkness and welcomes it, believing she is too "valorous" to be negatively affected by it. she eventually goes delirious, carrying a lit candle wherever she walked.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth's decaying remorse had sunken into a compassion that she had never felt or shown.
689 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare's Macbeth Lady Macbeth first appears in Act 1, Scene 5 whereby she is reading a letter from Macbeth informing her of his prophecies. This scene shows just how close Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were at the beginning of the play; it shows their original relationship. After reading the letter Lady Macbeth is thinking about the opportunities open to her and Macbeth. She is immediately conscious of the significance of the predictions, and as the King will be paying a royal visit soon, this will give them the opportunity to hurry the prophecy. She shows great determination and ambition from the beginning, “shalt be/What thou art promised”.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that although she may be old, she is determined to get her last chance of success.
- Opines that she may pour her spirits in thine ear, as she knows she has to push.
- Analyzes how in act 1, scene 7, macbeth tells his wife that he doesn't want to marry her.
- Analyzes how we can sense that she is on the edge by the way she reacted to fire.
- Explains that as well as seeing it, she can smell it and it can't be removed.
1314 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayMacBeth’s villainy is shown when he kills his king, friend, and innocent people and usurps the throne but he is not totally evil. His bravery loyalty and honour are qualities to be admired. He’s a man of action and remorse not just an evil villain.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that macbeth's villainy is shown when he kills his king, friend, and innocent people and usurps the throne but is not totally evil. his bravery, loyalty and honour are qualities to be admired.
- Analyzes how macbeth's villainy is shown when he kills duncan and the king’s guards.
- Analyzes how macbeth is a man of regret and remorse. he regrets hiring the murderers to kill banquo because he can see his ghost.
- Analyzes how macbeth's villainy is shown when he kills macduffs family and consorts with the witches in this scene to find out what will happen to him and his kingdom.
- Analyzes how macbeth is brave, courageous, honourable, and regrets his actions because he dies.
- Analyzes how macbeth's villainy is shown when he kills innocent people, the king, his friend, usurps throne, and consorts with the witches.
672 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare's Macbeth William Shakespeare lived in an era where women possessed few political and private rights. Women were subjected to the will of men as men were thought to be greater morally, physically and intellectually. Shakespeare, as he was living in this hierarchical and patriarchal world, was subjected to this value system. His powerful and tragic play Macbeth, reflects aspects of this world but also challenges the very basis of it's foundations with the use of the characters, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, the Three Witches and Lady Macduff. These characters are not necessarily represented as traditional stereotypical type; this is inputted through the use of role reversal.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how shakespeare lived in an era where women possessed few political and private rights. his powerful and tragic play macbeth reflects aspects of this world but also
- Analyzes how the shakespearean tragedy challenges the basis of its foundations with the use of the characters, macbeth, lady, the three witches, and lady macduff.
- Analyzes how macbeth's tragic play structure is displayed through acts and scenes. shakespeare pays much regard to what it is to be a man and possess masculine characteristics.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is plagued by an imagination, conscience, compassion, sensitivity, and in some areas, acts or thinks to act, as directed by heart felt emotions.
- Analyzes the trigger by which macbeth's feminine 'faults' are targeted.
- Analyzes how macbeth, while typifying the dominant stereotypical masculine image of the time, is plagued with a significant weakness, that of femininity.
- Analyzes how the woman inverts the standard of male and female roles as they were prescribed by the elizabethan era. she demonstrates her concern with her husband's weak countenance.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth recognizes that her husband's impressionable nature leaves him vulnerable. his inability to withstand the pressures of his conscience presents her with the difficult and irritating task of convincing him to perform the actions which could provide him lasting success.
- Analyzes how macbeth challenges his wife's strength and his own weakness by employing traditional males.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is portrayed with the traits of a more traditional male character. she encourages her husband to act on 'their' behalf.
- Concludes that the characters in macbeth do not follow stereotypical gender roles in relation to their status prescribed by the context of shakespeare's lived.
- Analyzes how the play macbeth challenges preconceived notions of gender and posed the question 'what is it to be a man?'
672 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayIn Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" supernatural forces create a suspenseful atmosphere. The use of the supernatural in the witches, the visions, the ghost and the apparitions provides the backbone of the climax and "excuses" for Macbeth’s change of character. Because conscience plays such a central role in Macbeth’s tragic struggle, many critics use spiritual and supernatural theories to illuminate the drama’s character development.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how supernatural forces create a suspenseful atmosphere in shakespeare's 'macbeth'. the supernatural in the witches, visions and ghosts provides the backbone of the climax.
- Analyzes how the supernatural theme of the witches in macbeth is recurring throughout the play.
- Analyzes how the ghostly dagger, which led macbeth to duncan's chamber, represents the supernatural forces that cause the fall of the tragic hero.
- Analyzes how banquo's ghost is another paranormal experience macbeth encounters, and the one that sent him over the edge.
- Analyzes how human nature tempts people to take an easier path if shown the way. macbeth was deceitful and dishonest, therefore following the path of the devil.
- Analyzes how macbeth's decisions were influenced by supernatural encounters, causing him to tragically meet a doomed fate.
1029 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare's Macbeth Consider the scenes in which Duncan is murdered Act 2 scene 1 and 2. How do the language, characters and imagery create an atmosphere of fear and tension? In August 1606 the play, "Macbeth" was performed for King James 1st of England.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how banqo draws his sword - a sign he draws.
- Narrates how the man is wrong as he is in the castle of a friend surrounded by people.
- Analyzes how they are playing on the mind of the man.
- Opines that it is a knell that summons thee to heaven or to hell.
- Analyzes how the woman has remorse for what her husband is about to do.
- Opines that they had most need of blessing and 'amen' at the end.
- Opines that she hasn't lost a grip on what she knows they must do to get away with the crime.
- Opines that the one who coaxed her to the plan in the first place was not only her co-author.
- Analyzes how suddenly we get to see a whole different side to him as he loses all.
1060 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare's Macbeth Lady Macbeth's role in the events of Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth' is an important one. Without her, it is doubtful that Macbeth would have gone through with the slaying of Duncan, especially in such a cowardly, murderous way that he does. This is shown with Macbeth's continued change of mind about committing the murder. When he speaks with his wife in Act 1, Scene 5, he states. '
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how lady macbeth plays an important role in the events of shakespeare's play 'mcbeth'. without her, he wouldn't have gone through with the slaying of duncan, especially in such a cowardly, murderous way.
- Analyzes how the macbeth's relationship is depicted as being one of a loving, caring and understanding marriage.
- Analyzes how dame judi dench's portrayion of lady macbeth in trevor nunn’s 1978 production was a more mature, plainer woman than that of the polanski adaptation.
- Explains that the audience is drawn more into how and what is being spoken and the facial expressions of the characters, than by being distracted by any 'period' surrounding scenery.
- Analyzes how polanski omits lady macbeth's speech in act 1, scene 7 including 'â€pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums.
- Analyzes how dame judi dench's depiction of the same scene is wonderfully portrayed with great quality of emotion and feeling which totally outclasses francesca annes attempt. lady macbeth is of strong character, stronger than that of
- Analyzes how lady macbeth uses all her feminine charm, even questioning her husbands manliness, in an attempt to manipulate him, to further her evil ambitions.
- Opines that shakespeare's lady macbeth would have caused shock amongst the audience of the time, because it was deemed that a woman should be subordinate to her husband.
- Opines that macbeth must also be of a strong and ambitious character, in order to achieve the status and the rank of general, serving in the kings army.
- Explains that shakespeare's idea for writing the play macbeth came about after studying raphael holinshed’s, 'chronicles of england, scotland and ireland.
- Analyzes how macbeth, unlike shakespeare's duncan, was not a popular ruler and was eventually killed, possibly being the high king of scotland.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is conveyed through a whole series of emotions as the play progresses.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth's dominance fades with the murder of the hung-over bodyguards of king duncan.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth is bought on by the guilt of the murder of duncan and is furthered by her husband's reluctance to return her affections and include her in his evil scheming.
- Analyzes how the 'direst cruelty', which she had called up from the spirits in order to fill her, in act 1, scene 5, are draining from her person, causing the evil veil she wears, to slip briefly.
838 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare's Macbeth The main character is not introduced into the play until the third scene, but before hand the witches mention Macbeth in one of their speeches in scene 1 act 1. This makes the reader become intrigued as they want to know more about Macbeth and who he is Macbeth is shown as a brave, noble warrior defending his country against its enemies, although when he meets the witches his true feelings are told. His feeling is AMBITION His greed and ambition grows when the witches tell him he will soon be king so he does off and kills Duncan and Banguo. He is weak easily influenced but left to himself; he would not have killed Duncan. His wife greatly influenced him to kill as her ideas are horrific In the movie 'Macbeth on the Estate' the war at the beginning of the play is represented as a gang breaking into flats and beating people up.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the witches mention macbeth in one of their speeches in scene 1 act 1, which makes the reader intrigued as they want to know more about him.
- Analyzes how macbeth's greed and ambition grow when the witches tell him he will soon be king. he is weak easily influenced but left to himself.
- Analyzes how macbeth enters the flats first, which shows he is a leader. the beats in the music show speed of movement.
- Analyzes how the film is weird for a 'king' as you were expecting posh, well-dressed people with servants. the first sightings of the three witches are seen as they smash the car window.
- Narrates how they expected macbeth to be a man of age 40 with neat hair and beard, but what they saw was new and entertaining.
334 wordsRead More - William Shakespeare's Macbethanalytical essayIt has often been said that Macbeth is a character of powerful contradictions. He is evil and all-powerful. Are his violent acts and his criminal activities simply the result of Macbeth’s ambition to be King of Scotland? Why is he willing to kill his king and his best friend with apparently no remorse? Are his acts the result of blind ambition?
In this essay, the author
- Opines that macbeth is a character of powerful contradictions. he is evil and all-powerful. his violent acts and his criminal activities are the result of his ambition to be king of scotland.
- Analyzes how macbeth encounters his first group of manipulators, witches, who prophesize that he will one day be king of scotland and that the descendents of banquo will become kings.
- Analyzes how lady macbeth has to goad him into killing the king.
- Analyzes how macbeth's character changes due to the manipulation of others, and the craving for power and control consumes him.
- Analyzes how macbeth kills macduff's family to maintain control and power, despite the witchesnew prophecies, since he cannot get at him directly.
- Analyzes how macbeth's moral sense has disappeared. his reaction to lady macbeth’s death is a sign of despair — all feeling is dead in him.
- Analyzes how macbeth's ambitions are now stronger than hisconscience. the witches have tempted andcontrolled him with the idea of becoming king.
- Analyzes how macbeth learns to lie and kill in order to keep what he has taken.
- Analyzes how shakespeare's play macbeth is a study of manipulation, control,and power. it shows how individuals can control the mind and actions of others.
679 wordsRead More