Macbeth Essay - Christina Yang

Christina Yang

Period 2

Macbeth Essay

In Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates that one's perception of fate affects his actions through the use of the character's reactions, actions, and thoughts.

The main character Macbeth reveals his emotions that later affect the actions in the play through his reactions to various events. When he and Banquo first encounter the witches, they are informed of their future. Macbeth is dubious of the credibility of the witches at first; however, his perceptions of them immediately change when Ross and Angus announce that he has become the thane of Cawdor. Macbeth then states,“two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme” (40). His reactions show that his perception of his own fate has begun to change. In reality, only one truth is told, because he has only become the thane of Cawdor. The statement shows his ambition and excitement to be crowned in the near future, which certainly drives the action forward. Later in the play, the main character reunites with his wife, who plans to murder King Duncan. Macbeth does not object to the crime he is about to commit, yet he does not agree with it. His reaction to Lady Macbeth further moves the plot along.

Macbeth’s actions also allow him to believe that he will become the king. In Act II, he stabs Duncan to death. By committing such a crime, he has made himself the successor of the throne. His own actions ultimately contribute to his downfall, and drive the action forward. Furthermore, he kills the two servants of Duncan as well. He reasons that no man“can be wise, amazed, temp’rate and furious, loyal and neutral, in a moment”(94). With the deaths of the servants, his ambition and sins are almost hidden. Macbeth now perceives himself as the new king. However, one character still holds the power to possibly accuse him as the murderer and expose his evil actions to the public.

Ultimately, the main character’s thoughts compel him to perceive his fate differently, which contributes to his downfall. After Macbeth has become the king, his characteristics change drastically; he is much more absolute, irritable, and arrogant. He does not desire to be defeated by anyone. Later in the play, he desires to “cancel and tear to pieces that great bond” (126). Macbeth thinks about his plan, but does not inform Lady Macbeth of it. After Banquo is murdered, he becomes somewhat delusional and fearful of the spirits of his victims. His houghts that his former companion must be killed eventually cause his death. Macbeth’s own perceptions of fate and thoughts greatly influence his actions and drive the play to its tragic end.

In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the main character’s reactions, actions, and thoughts to demonstrate that one’s perception of fate affects his actions. Macbeth is first influenced by the witches’ prophecy. Then, he begins perceiving himself as the king. To accomplish his vision of himself, he commits many murders, which cause him to feel irritable. Ultimately, he believes that he should not be defeated and kills Banquo. He falls from the social hierarchy due to his own perception of his fate. His ambition eventually causes him to drive the action forward and conclude the play on a tragic note.