If ignorance is bliss, than knowledge is despair. In Macbeth’s case, the foresight he is given proves to be his bane, as he paradoxically, tries to make the visions come true, only to lead to his downfall. However, what makes Macbeth a memorable play is how Shakespeare depicts Macbeth’s descent through what we hear from other characters and even the mind of the King of Scotland
Courageous is what subordinates describe Macbeth. In the battle against the rebels, he sergeant refers to his general as “brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name” and says that he was fighting “as cannons overcharged with double cracks”. Shakespeare builds up Macbeth as a noble and brave warrior, reminiscent of the Anglo-Saxon heroes such as Beowulf who is not only a very capable warrior on the battlefield but provides inspiration and leadership among his troops. Even the king of Scotland praises Macbeth for his ferocity and nobility in battle and character in that he says Macbeth “is a peerless kinsman”, that he there is no Scot who is more honorable than Macbeth. With this description, the audience is led to think of Macbeth as a selfless and virtuous general. Shakespeare builds up the audience’s impression because they as they say, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall”.
The three witches address Macbeth as the thane of Glamis, which he currently is, but goes on says calls him the thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Initially, he is baffled of the titles and disregards them as until the thane of Ross arrives and informs him that he has been given the title, thane of Cawdor after his valiant actions in battle. He accepts the prophecies as true but wonders how he will gain the throne. He is unsure of whether or not he should take action as he believes that, “if chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me”, meaning that he should not have to do anything. But when Duncan names his son as heir, Macbeth begins to plot against Duncan and when the King announces his stay at Macbeth’s castle, Macbeth jumps at the opportunity to assassinate Duncan, giving up the morals he believes in to ensure he inherits what he was promised.
When Lady Macbeth first hears about the prophecy and the fact that Duncan is staying over, she says that Macbeth does not have the will to do what needs to be done to fulfill his ambitions. Shakespeare also portrays Macbeth’s reluctance to assassinate Duncan as he weighs both sides and wonders if he should do what he planned. Shakespeare gives the protagonist the opportunity to either stop his plan or to continue along with what he conspired. By choosing to go ahead with the murder, Macbeth seals his own fate, along with guaranteeing Macbeth’s doom.
One of the first things Macbeth does as king is to eliminate his confidante, Banquo, and Banquo’s son, Fleance. He orders three hit men to secure the throne for himself and when they fail, he becomes unstable and paranoid of his demise. He continues to consult the witches although his arrogance prevents him from recognizing the threats and attempting to keep his kingdom under control.
There were many in his ranks, such as Lennox, who were disloyal and criticize Macbeth’s actions and excuses he used to take power. We also know from Malcolm, who is exiled in England that Macbeth is not a benevolent ruler but a mad king more concerned with keeping the power he has. Because he has given up in the values that he cherished, many are discontent with his rule. While his country is falling apart, he does nothing but to hold on to as much of the power he can. The great general that he once was in the beginning of the play is greatly contrasted with the feeble king, attempting to save whatever he can.
Macbeth is given a prophecy and he chooses to zealously fulfill it himself. The harder he tries to become king, the deeper he gets in to his own ambition, willing to sacrifice everything to become king. Through the various vantage points Shakespeare offers in this play, the audience gains a unique perspective in to what knowledge can do to an ambitious man.
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