In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the device of characterization to clarify “man’s perception of fate affects man’s actions” by utilizing Macbeth’s thoughts, actions, and comments. At the beginning of the play when Macbeth comes across three witches, he is told a prophecy that one day he will become the thane of Cawdor. Macbeth questions how this is possible since the thane of Cawdor lives. Later on the play when Macbeth becomes king, he understands that nothing threatens him except Banquo and Fleance. Macbeth hires killers to destroy them so that he can live safely without the worries of Banquo and Fleance threatening his position. Toward’s the end of the play when Macbeth’s castle is surrounded by the army, Macbeth fights off the soldiers bravely, thinking that none of “woman born” can harm him. Shakespeare uses Macbeth’s actions, thoughts, and comments to clarify and drive the perception forward.
In Act I, Scene III, Macbeth is told by the witches that he will become the king of Cawdor and Glamis. He is left in turmoil. Macbeth inquires the witches how it is possible for him to become the king of Cawdor when there is already a thane, but the witches disappear. This leaves Macbeth nothing but questions wondering in his mind. In Act I, Scene VII, Macbeth gives his soliloquy: “If it could all be over with once the deed was done, then it should be done right away.”. Shakespeare shows us through Macbeth’s thoughts that he is facing a dilemma, which is whether to kill Duncan or not. Shakespeare drives this action forward by having Lady Macbeth be the iniquitous driving force behind the assassination of Duncan.
After king Duncan is dead, Macbeth becomes the thane of Cawdor. However, Macbeth is facing an obstacle, Banquo and Fleance. Since the prophecy states to be aware of them, Macbeth knows the issue he is going to be facing. Out of frustration and fear, Macbeth orders to killers to assassinate Fleance and Banquo. He tells the killer “To be king is nothing, unless I am safely king... I fear Banquo deeply.”. Shalespeare uses the device of characterization by using Macbeth’s comments to clarify and drive this perception.
In Act IV, Scene I, Macbeth visits the witches and they inform him that noneof woman born can harm him. The 2nd Apparition says “ Be bloody, bold, and determined; laugh to scorn the power of man, for no one born of woman shall harm Macbeth.” Later on, in Act V Scene VI, when Macbeth defeats young Siward, he says “You were born of woman. But I smile at swords and laugh with scorn at weapons brandished by a man that is born of woman.” Macbeth is fearless since the prophecy has told him that no man can harm him. We can see that Macbeth’s perception affects his actions. If it was not for the witches telling him that no man can harm him, Macbeth’s perception would have been different and as a result he would have been more cautious when battling soldiers.
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