Macbeth essay, Isaac (Gyum) Lee, Asher p4.t9

Macbeth essay

In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare shows how a character’s perception of fate and the way he is affected drives his actions throughout the play. Through the character’s actions, Shakespeare reveals how the character has been changed by fate, or rather by his belief of fate, and his perception of it. By the comments that Macbeth makes, it becomes quite clear that his perception of, not just fate, but the world, differs greatly between before and after the shift in his beliefs. Shakespeare introduces Macbeth’s idea of fate and his actions behind it not just through Macbeth’s comments, but also by what others say about him. Shakespeare uses these characterizations to better expose each character’s perception of fate and explain their every action.

Macbeth’s actions in the play clearly show the change. At the point where Macbeth learns his fate from the witches, he acts in a conspiratorial way. As Macbeth hears of the future and sees how they come true, he forces himself to follow the fortune with violence and murder. His actions switch from being loyal to cruel in an instant. Shakespeare keeps Macbeth move forward by allowing the Witches to foresee and tell Macbeth more of his future. Macbeth’s belief of his invincibility makes him fight bravely and strongly. However, as Macbeth sees the forest move and find out how Macduff is “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb, he shows hesitations and inability and meets his death as a result. Throughout the play, Macbeth’s actions reveal his new and changed perceptions of fate, and he continues to react to his perceptions of fate until the very end.

Arrogance and injustice can be found in Macbeth’s words. Shakespeare uses comment that Macbeth makea to clarify his perception of fate and how he plans to achieve what he desires. He says how he cannot be defeated, as the prophecy says, by anyone who was born of women, which in his mind is impossible. Macbeth’s thoughts, feelings, and actions can be figured out by his soliloquy and conversations with others. His understanding of fate is as simple as the source he got them from; he will become the king as the prophecy says, and he will stop anyone who gets in the way of fulfilling the prophecy. As the play goes on, other characters, such as Siward and Banquo, have changing impressions of Macbeth. Although at first they call Macbeth mighty and brave soldier, they later call Macbeth a cruel tyrant. Macbeth’s fate, as he believes, can be known through what others say of him.

Shakespeare characterizes Macbeth through his actions and comments made by all the characters, including himself. Macbeth’s perception of fate changes in the play, and these points is revealed by Macbeth’s actions and words. The Path that Macbeth takes is largely affected by what others said to him, and what he said to them. Shakespeare shows the characteristics of Macbeth through these devices and controls him to lead him to his fate ultimate fate.