Macbeth Timed Essay

Han Chou

Period 3

AP Lit

Macbeth Timed Essay

In Macbeth, Shakespeare conveys the idea that man's preception of fate could blind a man's decicions on various actions. Shakespeare depicts this idea through the characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. In the beginning, Macbeth is introduced and described as a valorous and able warrior, but later he becomes ambitious yet doubtful of himself as he encounters the three witches . Moreover, the dual sides of Lady Macbeth further contributes to the development of the story. Through both of the characterizations, Shakespeare is able to drive the plot forward as well as appealing the message how a man's preception of fate could take control of himself and controls his actions.

First, Macbeth appears to be hailed as the new thane of Cawdor and praised to be the upcoming new king by the witches. As he starts to doubt himself and the prophecy the witches made, comes Ross and Angus who announce the title of thane of Cawdor to Macbeth. From this point, Macbeth gains ambitious and starts to believe in the prophecy. This ambition later drives Macbeth's actions to events such as killing King Duncan and shifting the blame to the innocnets. However, throughout the story after killing King Duncan he can not overcome the guilt, even with the help of his wife, Lady Macbeth.

In addition, Lady Macbeth first appeared to be a lovely and seductive woman, but later as she discovers the opportunity to hold power as the queen and to make his husband the king, she blindly destined her fate to be executing the elimination of the current power and take over with her husband. Lady Macbeth provides the supporting drive for Macbeth. Her greater ambition succeefully helps Macbeth to overcome the doubts of killing King Duncan. However, she fails to help Macbeth with coping the guilt and responsibilty of King Duncan's death and in addition, she can not even achieve that herself.

All in all, Shakespeare’s use of characterizations on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth creates the driving force of the plot, and further reveals the idea that men’s better decisions are blinded by his preception of fate. Shakespeare is able to convey this message with ease by using their ambitiousness and ego as their fatal flaws .