Macbeth Essay- Joshua Roquemore period 3
Throughout Macbeth there are themes of fate, and the power it holds over man. It is evident in both the characters actions and in the plot that fate does have a certain amount of say in humanity. Shakespeare both clarifies characters perceptions of fate, as well as moves the plot forward through characterization of complex characters as well as more simplistic characters.
Macbeth is riddled with complex characters. Many characters have such extreme and twisted perceptions of the world that it is almost disgusting to read of them. One such character is Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is the epitome of selfishness and manipulation. Shakespeare begins the play with her sweetly awaiting her husbands arrival, and pouring over a letter she received from him. By the end of the scene she had realized what gain she could take from her husband's fortune, and had made a pact with evil spirits to ultimately kill the king and secure her power. She seduces her husband into agreeing, then threatens him. Shakespeare does an outstanding job of showing her true character in how quickly she took an opportunity to further her own livelihood. The author makes it apparent that she believes she can control her own fate, and because she believes this, she becomes the driving force in moving the plot forward.
Another type of character which is equally abundant, however much more subtle, is a much more simplistic type. Banquo is one such character, in that he chooses not to meddle with fate, but takes pride in being reliable and trustworthy. He makes no allusions to power or his own greed. Banquo is a type of antagonist to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, in that he does not follow in their search for glory and power, but actually wishes to unveil the truth behind the king's murder. The author subtly uses Banquo to juxtapose both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. As more of Banquo's character and respect for fate is unveiled, the reader sees there must be conflict between him and Lord and Lady Macbeth. His beliefs eventually lead him to question Macbeth, which results in his death and the furthering of the plotline.
The author brilliantly combines complex and simple characters in Macbeth to create conflict of beliefs and actions. Each character's beliefs lead them to take actions in favor of those beliefs, which ultimately moves the story along.
Macbeth is riddled with complex characters. Many characters have such extreme and twisted perceptions of the world that it is almost disgusting to read of them. One such character is Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is the epitome of selfishness and manipulation. Shakespeare begins the play with her sweetly awaiting her husbands arrival, and pouring over a letter she received from him. By the end of the scene she had realized what gain she could take from her husband's fortune, and had made a pact with evil spirits to ultimately kill the king and secure her power. She seduces her husband into agreeing, then threatens him. Shakespeare does an outstanding job of showing her true character in how quickly she took an opportunity to further her own livelihood. The author makes it apparent that she believes she can control her own fate, and because she believes this, she becomes the driving force in moving the plot forward.
Another type of character which is equally abundant, however much more subtle, is a much more simplistic type. Banquo is one such character, in that he chooses not to meddle with fate, but takes pride in being reliable and trustworthy. He makes no allusions to power or his own greed. Banquo is a type of antagonist to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, in that he does not follow in their search for glory and power, but actually wishes to unveil the truth behind the king's murder. The author subtly uses Banquo to juxtapose both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. As more of Banquo's character and respect for fate is unveiled, the reader sees there must be conflict between him and Lord and Lady Macbeth. His beliefs eventually lead him to question Macbeth, which results in his death and the furthering of the plotline.
The author brilliantly combines complex and simple characters in Macbeth to create conflict of beliefs and actions. Each character's beliefs lead them to take actions in favor of those beliefs, which ultimately moves the story along.
Peer Editor: Daniel Pon
ReplyDelete