Macbeth Essay Period.3

In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the device of characterization to illustrate how man/woman’s perception of fate affects man/woman’s actions. Shakespeare’s characterization of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth shows man’s perception of fate through their reactions, comments and actions.
First, Shakespeare illustrates Lady Macbeth’s perception of fate through her reaction to Macbeth’s letter. As she is informed about Macbeth’s encounter with the witches and Macbeth’s future of becoming King, her reaction to the letter right away is to kill King Duncan so that Macbeth would be King. “Great Glamis, you wish for something that requires a necessary act to get it, but you are frightened to do what you would still like to have done. Get here quickly, so I can fill you with my own inspiration. The strength of my word will overcome the fears that stand between you and the golden crown that fate and magic seem to have promised you.”(pg.52-53) This quote is the reaction that Lady Macbeth had made to the letter that Macbeth sent. This quotes shows that Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to become King and for that to happen she has to help Macbeth kill King Duncan. Also, when Lady Macbeth is told that the King will be coming to stay at her house for a day she plans a strategy in order for Macbeth to kill Duncan. Shakespeare through Lady Macbeth’s reaction shows the perception of fate.
Furthermore, Shakespeare uses the device of characterization to understand the meaning of fate though both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s comments on the plan to kill King Duncan. Macbeth is not ready and scared to kill King Duncan but Lady Macbeth comments that everything is going to be all right and she makes sure that Macbeth will be willing to kill Macbeth. “We Fail? Just screw your courage to its readiest point and we won’t fail. When Duncan is asleep-and she hard day’s journey will make him sleep soundly-I’ll get the two attendants of his bedchamber so drunk that they’ll remember nothing, ... We can accuse his drunken officers, who shall get the blame for our great murder.” (pg.65) Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that they will not fail their plan to kill Duncan. This quotes shows how desperate Lady Macbeth is to kill Duncan. “I am ready. I will strain every muscle to this terrible deed Let’s go and deceive the world with pleasant looks. A false face must hide what the false heart knows.” (pg.67) Macbeth through Lady Macbeth’s comment that killing Duncan is right, now fully understands that he must kill Duncan to be King. Shakespeare, through the comments of Lady Macbeth illustrates that fate has made Lady Macbeth to act in this manner and has made Macbeth to think that killing Duncan to become King is right.
In conclusion, Shakespeare through the actions of Macbeth shows that fate can make even the most innocent person can fall into the wrong path. Macbeth finally murders Duncan. Through Macbeth’s action of killing Duncan the perception of fate is clearly shown. Through the reactions and comments of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth the plan to kill Duncan takes place. Although Macbeth was scared to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth steps into make sure he goes with the plan. The killing of Duncan would not have happened if Lady Macbeth never knew the fate that Macbeth would be King in the future. In the end Lady Macbeth dies due to guilt of killing Duncan. Shakespeare drives the action forward through each character’s reactions and comments.

Christina Yang Team 3