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Macbeth

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the character is initially portrayed as a powerful and respected warrior, but his ambition leads to moral corruption and eventual downfall. The play explores themes of guilt, manipulation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition through Macbeth's interactions with Lady Macbeth and his inner conflicts. Ultimately, Macbeth's rise to power is depicted as a tragic journey, highlighting the dangers of ambition and the responsibility that comes with authority.

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7 views

Macbeth

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the character is initially portrayed as a powerful and respected warrior, but his ambition leads to moral corruption and eventual downfall. The play explores themes of guilt, manipulation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition through Macbeth's interactions with Lady Macbeth and his inner conflicts. Ultimately, Macbeth's rise to power is depicted as a tragic journey, highlighting the dangers of ambition and the responsibility that comes with authority.

Uploaded by

pastelcolours20093
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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To what extent is Macbeth presented as powerful in the play?

Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare set in the 16th century. The play emphasizes
themes of guilt, betrayal, and manipulation through the character of Macbeth and his wife.
The play introduces Macbeth as a character with a ruthless and noble personality eventually
falling into a corrupted path from manipulation.

William Shakespeare effectively employs soliloquies to illustrate Macbeth's inner conflicts,


aspirations, and moral quandaries. In Act 1, Scene 7 "If it were done when 'tis done, then
'twere well / It were done quickly" The soliloquy implies that Macbeth questions whether to
kill King Duncan to achieve his goal. He believes that from his deeds he acknowledges the
uncertainty and possible implications of regicide. Furthermore, in the soliloquy "Is this a
dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand?", Shakespeare portrays
Macbeth's psychological suffering and his confusion about the boundaries between reality
and hallucination. These soliloquies are added to imply the play's themes of ambition, guilt,
and the corrupting effect of power, to give insight into Macbeth's personality. Alternatively,
Shakespeare shows the intricacies of human nature through imagery, presenting Macbeth
as a tragic figure divided between his passions and his conscience. Shakespeare's ability
with language and psychology is shown in the soliloquies, as he portrays Macbeth's inner
conflict in his mind.

Throughout the play, Macbeth consults Lady Macbeth, who manipulates him into committing
regicide to achieve their mutual goal of gaining dominance. The quote "Infirm of purpose.
Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead are but as pictures; 'tis the eye of
childhood that fears a painted devil." implies Lady Macbeth's attempt to exert control over
Macbeth after Duncan's murder. Taking command of the situation, she tells him to return the
daggers to the crime scene and berates him for what she sees as his perceived vulnerability.
In addition to demonstrating her power and ability to manipulate Macbeth, this also shows
how she can motivate him to take action to achieve the goals they have set. This
demonstrates the fears of the Jacobean patriarchal society that women can be manipulative
and dominant, which can lead to chaos and corruption if they gain power, and that is why
they should be suppressed and placed in more feminine and maternal positions.
Shakespeare also portrays Lady Macbeth as the clear dominant, leading force within their
relationship and this suggests Lady Macbeth is more ambition-driven than Macbeth himself.
After ascending to the throne, Macbeth begins to act more on his initiative and less in
dependence on Lady Macbeth's counsel. Turning ruthless and paranoid, giving the order to
kill Macduff and Banquo's family without consulting his wife first. This demonstrates him
descending into madness.

Likewise, Lady Macbeth implies Macbeth’s powerlessness and cowardice in the quote “art
thou afeard to be the same in thine own act and valor as thou art in desire?” this implies that
Macbeth wants to conduct this crime in secret but isn't strong enough to carry it out. Lady
Macbeth continues, saying that it would be "living a coward" if he did not fulfill his "desires."
In addition, Lady Macbeth calls Macbeth's physical attributes "pale and green," implying that
he is unwell and not at his best. Similarly, Lady Macbeth compares the modal verb "would" to
the active verb "dare." She indicates that be challenging Macbeth to overcome his fear
because the word "dare" is associated with bravery and taking risks. Macbeth can only
respond to these accusations by disproving Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth emphasizes
Macbeth’s impotence in the quote, further highlighting Macbeth’s powerlessness and future
hamartia.

However, Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as powerful and driven. In the quote, "For brave
Macbeth - well he deserves that name - / Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel /
Which smoked with bloody execution." The quote emphasizes Macbeth's valor and skill in
combat, portraying him as a strong and well-respected warrior. This quote also symbolizes
Macbeth’s power and prowess by upholding the name “Brave Macbeth”, this also portrays
Macbeth as a fearless and ruthless warrior, as he confidently wields his sword. Macbeth’s
strength and prowess are integrated into his rise to power and his ability to gain respect and
dominance. In addition, the description of Macbeth displaying his blade, "which smoked with
bloody execution," effectively conveys his skills and effectiveness in battle and reinforces his
standing as a formidable fighter. This portrayal provides evidence of Macbeth's physical
strength and prowess, crucial to his rise to prominence. Ultimately, the play's inquiry into
ambition, morality, and the corrupting impact caused by unrestrained authority is reinforced
by Macbeth's portrayal as an imposing and tenacious character.

Macbeth's power is also portrayed as honorable and respected, rooted in his bravery and
loyalty as a warrior. The Jacobean audience would have viewed Macbeth's early power as a
symbol of honor and valor, given the high significance of noble power during that era. Critics,
such as literary critic Harold Bloom, also appreciate Macbeth's ambition and power,
highlighting his noble qualities as a brave and respected figure. However, as the play
progresses, Macbeth's power becomes corrupted and tampered by his ambition, leading to
his downfall. Shakespeare uses Macbeth's character to explore the dangers of power and
the devastating consequences of giving in to one's ruthless desires. Macbeth's strength
takes a sinister turn as the desire for more power and ambition drives him to commit regicide
and other atrocities. Originally a man of honor and respect, Macbeth turns into a dictator who
is despised and dreaded by everyone around him.

In conclusion, Macbeth presents a nuanced and multifaceted representation of power.


Despite Macbeth's early leadership being seen as noble and admired, his unrestrained drive
ultimately brings him down and kills everyone around him. The play serves as a reminder
that ambition gone unbridled can have disastrous results and that authority should be used
responsibly.

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