...Was Macbeth’s murder of Duncan an act of fate or free will? In Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, a Scottish general who becomes king after three witches report his future to him, murders the King of Duncan to obtain the throne. Shakespeare utilized the philosophy that free will is paramount in the development of the character and clearly Macbeth chose his own path causing his ultimate demise. Throughout the story, Shakespeare uses his tone to show how Macbeth’s future is determined by his free will. In plenty of instances, like the murder of Duncan, Macbeth chose to act upon this in order to further his chances of obtaining the throne. The Witches proclaimed to Macbeth, explaining his fate but he denied it, preaching this, “For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires” (29.55). This quote is evident because Macbeth's motivation to become king represents his free will in possessing the throne. Macbeth knows that being king is meant for him, but is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure it remains in his grasp. As well as that, Macbeth also states that he will commit to anything to...
Words: 460 - Pages: 2
...For example in the story Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the main character Macbeth, is highly influenced by three Witches and his wife to do terrible and unforgettable deeds. Therefore the three Witches, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth all share blame for the mysterious tragedies that are afflicted on various characters. “Double, double toil and and trouble,” the three Witches cackled as they persuaded and foreshadowed Macbeth’s future empire and mistakes. As of this quote this is the first time that the Witches have appeared and told Macbeth about various actions and foreshadowed prophecies. The three Witches state, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!/ All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!/ All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” (Act I, sc 3...
Words: 481 - Pages: 2
...Surname 3 Student's Name Professor's Name Course Date Antigone vs. Macbeth In attempting to discern the legitimate and analytical issues in the two plays, Antigone and Macbeth, it is important to take into account the two key characters that all actions revolve around (Antigone and Lady Macbeth). In both plays, the characters appear to have comparative destiny and fate intertwined deeply within their societies. (Powell et al. 12). Antigone stands harshly rebuked by the state whose rule she contradicts. Antigone's fierce deviance is fully displayed when she declares that she'll bury Polyneices in total disregard of Creon's law. It is this rebellious act and Antigone's innate loyalty to the memory of her brother that forms the spine of the play. On the other hand, Lady Macbeth stands denounced by the laws of God and man having so eagerly disregarded them for the purpose of affection and enthusiasm towards her husband. The inclination that destiny appears to have in setting up these sorts of plays is portrayed undeniably by Sophocles in his piece of work, as well as Shakespeare in his Macbeth. The authorial intent ( a tragedy in contemporary society) as developed by both plays is similar in context. This is mainly detectable while considering the way both playwrights depict the condition that has befallen a nation. Aristotle, an outstanding scholar, and craftsman described tragedy as a mimic of a movement that is morally right. He further came up with guidelines towards...
Words: 1891 - Pages: 8
...Why is it necessary to find Macbeth essay example? As a rule, when students are given freedom in choice of a topic they are somewhat puzzled. There is such a great variety of topics which you can choose. So, look for Macbeth essay examples and think of the possible topics which you can choose. Besides, you can find much valuable information on Macbeth essay format, outline, requirements as to structure, list of works cited etc. Use information only from the most reliable sources like web sites of essay writing companies. Professays.com offers its visitors and customers free Macbeth essay examples which they can use to compose own essays. Do not forget that these are only examples, so do not copy-paste them. Macbeth is the shortest tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is a powerful play with grim scenes and story line. The play is about a Scottish soldier who, after hearing prophecies from witches, sets about bringing the prophecies to fulfillment. William Shakespeare is assumed to have adopted the plot from Holinshed’s Chronicles, a popular history of England well known at the time of Shakespeare. Another school of thought argues that Shakespeare borrowed the plot from George Buchanan. To compose a Macbeth essay, one should take into consideration all the facts and fiction into account. Meticulous research is needed to get the facts right. The nuances and affectations by Shakespeare in the play are amazing and need careful handling while composing a narrative essay. ProfEssays...
Words: 265 - Pages: 2
...Macbeth Analysis Brian Williams English 125 Melissa Edison April 22, 2013 Macbeth Analysis The poem that I have selected is Macbeth written by William Shakespeare. I will identify three elements in this poem that I found very engaging/interesting. I will give insight on how these elements affected my personal opinion on this poem. Analyzing how these elements affected my response in its entirety will be the vocal point of my paper. Macbeth is a tragedy and is considered one of Shakespeare’s most powerful poems. Shakespeare introduces Macbeth as a strong, power wanting, and noble fighter. Macbeth talks to the witches in the start of Act 1 scene 3 by commanding them to speak to him and for them to tell him what they are. “Speak if you can. What are you” (Clugston, 2010)? Indicating that Macbeth talks with authority, that he has power over the witches, as he does not politely ask the witches. The way that Macbeth is speaking here is using imperative verbs. Shakespeare here uses language to show us what Macbeth character is like. He also tells us by using language that Macbeth is respected by others at the start of the play. In Act 1 scene 2 it states “O valiant cousin, worthy gentlemen” (Portman, 1995). Duncan expresses this about Macbeth. This reveals that people do respect Macbeth and his bravery proves he has a quite high status. Symbolism plays a prominent role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. Throughout the play there are several main symbols repeatedly...
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
...Acton once said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Macbeth by William Shakespeare is the tragic story about the kind of destruction ambition and the struggle for power can cause. Even the noblest of people are corrupted by the idea of power and will do anything to achieve it. Symbolism, irony, foil, theme, and imagery are some of the literary elements and techniques Shakespeare uses to portray Macbeth, the protagonist, as a greedy tyrant willing to sacrifice all others to accomplish his goals. Shakespeare not only represents Macbeth as the protagonist, but also as an antagonist to himself and others in the play. The author characterizes Macbeth at first as an honorable man willing to fight for the freedom of his kingdom. Shakespeare foreshadows to the reader a developing change within Macbeth’s character after his encounter with the Weird Sisters. His convene with the witches arouses in Macbeth the idea of becoming king. The motivation for Macbeth to become king spurs from the prophecies told by the witches in the beginning acts of the play, which were evidently coming true as he gained the title “Thane of Cawdor” as the prophecy stated. Below the surface Macbeth is a melting pot of emotions, which engaged his character in the idea of becoming a supreme ruler undoubtedly causing him to commit shameless acts. The character of Macbeth is usually described as being flawed by ambition, but this interpretation is not...
Words: 1642 - Pages: 7
...The Tragedy of Macbeth implements the idea of kings ruling by divine right. Shakespeare limits the belief of divine right by presenting the character of Macbeth as a traitor and supports it by giving his intemperate ambition a consequence. From Princesses to Kings, any person emerged in royalty entails a divine source of power. In Shakespeare's day and age, whether known for their tyranny or their loyalty, Kings and Queens were always the most authoritative and idolized figures. Shakespeare Shakespeare provides his writing with an efficient amount of historical context; his opinions on the Gunpowder Plot, Great Chain of Being, supernatural powers and witches all hold a substantial amount of importance in Macbeth. This play, written during...
Words: 1251 - Pages: 6
...Literature 1 October 2013 MacBeth Research William Shakespeare, the creator of the tragic story “MacBeth” uses a diverse set of allusions symbols, and figurative language examples throughout the work to enhance the different themes that are throughout the play. In, “MacBeth” there is many themes that are directed, one would be tragedy, and also, tyranny. From beginning to end, Shakespeare develops the meaning of the work by taking the reader through different scenarios and tossing allusions into the piece that help the plot and central theme of the story reveal. The world calls “MacBeth” one of Shakespeare’s grand plays and have been recognized internationally, the play contains symbols like blood, to further identify the massacres and the murders that MacBeth has been continuing to commit throughout the play. The meaning of the work is developed more intensely with this symbol because blood is viewed as gory and horror, and that is what the play eventually moves to. Moving into the act 2, while the tragic hero Macbeth suffers from a flaw that has been growing and growing immensely within himself, a personal and also a self-oriented error that is purely the fault and mistake of the character, Macbeth is now the victim of an external force. The external force is fate, a fate that has been introduced by the prophecy, supported by the weird and demanding sisters, and reinforced urgently by Lady Macbeth. The 3 Witches' prophecy that has been presented to Macbeth is that he shall become...
Words: 1252 - Pages: 6
...Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, readers witness this exact situation; ambition is what leads to Macbeth’s destruction. This trait can also be referred to as his hamartia. The dangerous growth of ambition begins when the witches present to him a prophecy, continues when Lady Macbeth pushes him until, finally, he has built up enough to drive himself to destruction. To begin with, the first instance in which ambition presents a danger is when Macbeth gets encouraged by the witches’ supernatural promises. After he hears the witches declare that he will be named Thane of Cawdor and “shalt be king hereafter” (I. iii. 48), a spark is lit and his darker side comes out. This is especially noticed when he says, “my thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single slate of man that function / Is smother’d insurmise, and nothing is / But what is not.” (I. iii. 138-141). It is visible at this time that ambition is just beginning to drive him in the wrong direction and away from moral consciousness. This battle of conscious vs excessive ambition is central to the story. It is referred to by Lady Macbeth, upon welcoming Macbeth home after hearing of his title as Thane of Cawdor, when she states, “Thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition, but without / The illness should attend it”. (I. v. 17-19) Here, she is afraid that Macbeth is ‘too kind’ and does not have enough ambition to become King. We later find out she is wrong. Later on, Lady Macbeth encourages the...
Words: 911 - Pages: 4
...Title: Macbeth Analysis Instructor: Erin Schwartz English 125 Introduction to literature Amanda Manley 11/25/2013 Macbeth Analysis The poem that I have selected is Macbeth written by William Shakespeare. I will identify three elements in this poem that I found very engaging/interesting. I will give insight on how these elements affected my personal opinion on this poem. Analyzing how these elements affected my response in its entirety will be the vocal point of my paper. Macbeth is a tragedy and is considered one of Shakespeare’s most powerful poems. Shakespeare introduces Macbeth as a strong, power wanting, and noble fighter. Macbeth talks to the witches in the start of Act 1 scene 3 by commanding them to speak to him and for them to tell him what they are. “Speak if you can. What are you” (Clugston, 2010)? Indicating that Macbeth talks with authority, that he has power over the witches, as he does not politely ask the witches. The way that Macbeth is speaking here is using imperative verbs. Shakespeare here uses language to show us what Macbeth character is like. He also tells us by using language that Macbeth is respected by others at the start of the play. In Act 1 scene 2 it states “O valiant cousin, worthy gentlemen” (Portman, 1995). Duncan expresses this about Macbeth. This reveals that people do respect Macbeth and his bravery proves he has a quite high status. Symbolism plays a prominent role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. Throughout the...
Words: 813 - Pages: 4
...In 1606, The Scottish Play, also know as Macbeth, was casted in the theatres of England. Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth (the main character) is told his fate by three witches. The information that is told to him was misleading.The play presents a series of experiences in which the main character makes decisions that ultimately lead to his death. Continually, throughout the play one will see Macbeth make decisions he regrets, however he turns around and repeats the same actions. Even though Macbeth was told his fate , it does not mean he could not be the author of his own book. Fate is when an event is unavoidable. The three witches tell Macbeth his fate when he is with Banquo, a friend, near Forres. One witch greets Macbeth with the title “Thane of Glamis”. The second witch greets Macbeth with “Thane of Cawdor”. The third witch makes a statement which hints to Macbeth becoming king (1.3.48-50). Banquo and Macbeth knew the witches made precarious remarks but Macbeth was intrigued. For instance, the second witch announced “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater” (1.3.65). The witches vanish, leaving no clarity for Macbeth, who asked many questions. He called them “ imperfect speakers” (1.3.70). Macbeth could not avoid becoming Thane of Cawdor and eventually the...
Words: 798 - Pages: 4
...now and then people who are trusted the most in one's lifetime end up being the same people who become disloyal and betray those whom they love. This event leads to two paths, one in which a person tries anything to redeem themselves and another where selfishness takes over. Likewise, Macbeth by William Shakespeare and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini use the main characters from their works to demonstrate that sometimes without a second thought, betrayal takes place. They also show how some characters use betrayal to their advantage while others redeem themselves, as well, how even those who stay loyal end up having to pay the same price. At the end however, how people react to the guilt that they encounter in the past is what makes them who they are in the future. Macbeth and The Kite Runner both show how the main characters betray those who respect as well as trust them. Macbeth's eyes are blinded by the power of the throne and he will do anything just to obtain it. Since no one expects Macbeth to betray anyone close to him, he takes this as an advantage and says to himself “a false face must hide what a false heart doth know.”(I, vii, 94-95) With this in mind, it is evident that Macbeth betrays Duncan, Banquo and the whole of Scotland. He uses his innocence and trust that he gained from others to hide what his true intentions are and ends up betraying many people just for the good of himself. Similarly, in The Kite Runner the main character Amir is troubled by the guilt...
Words: 1744 - Pages: 7
...treacherous reptile in Macbeth to convey the same evil. In his poetic prose, Shakespeare may not speak of a character's malevolence directly; rather, he alludes to it through serpentine imagery. I analyzed four images of this type in Macbeth. What is their purpose, and what do they signify? A deep undercurrent of meaning flows beneath each image. In act one, scene five, Lady Macbeth tries to instill invisible evil into herself and her husband in preparation for Duncan's murder. She asks for supernatural unsexing, for a thickening of her blood that will "stop up th' access and passage to remorse." She fears her husband is too weak to murder Duncan, which she believes is Macbeth's only path to the crown. After tauntingly questioning her husband's manhood, she convinces him to follow her gory plan and gives him instructions to do so. "To beguile the time, look like the time. Bear welcome in your eye, your hand, your tongue. Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it." She says that to succeed, they must feign mediocrity amongst their guests, concealing their sinister desires. Appearing normal will not invoke suspicions. The serpent Lady Macbeth speaks of is the evil ambition Macbeth has, craftily slithering out of the shade of the virtuous flower when the deed is to be done. This image is used in a traditional manner, denoting mischief and concealment. It represents Macbeth's hidden ambitions and his wife's plans. This is the first example of an extensive amount...
Words: 836 - Pages: 4
...medieval ages (11th Century). The play is a classic example of an individual who once was a hero but because of his greed and thirst for power, he turned into a savage murder full of regret and guilt. During the beginning of the play macbeth seemed normal without any signs of a mental unstability. But throughout play, Macbeth started to hallucinate and things turned for the worst with ultimately influenced the outcomes of events in the play. Many actions by Macbeth lead him to his ultimate declining mental state. The play starts out with Macbeth and Banquo meeting three witches. The three witches plays a huge role in this play because without the witches prophecies,...
Words: 801 - Pages: 4
...William Shakespeare's play “Macbeth“, Shakespeare shows the challenges of the ideas of traditional gender roles, like power, masculinity, and leadership. In act 1 there is a quote that I believe is a good example for my thesis. Lady macbeth finishes reading the letter of the witches prophecy and then says “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here/Make thick my blood“ (1.5.47-54). she is calling the "spirits" to make her into a man that she believes her husband can't be. She refuses to act how her society suggests she should. Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as ruthless and evil instead of obedient and nurturant, which is how females are usually seen as....
Words: 600 - Pages: 3
