Macbeth

In act two scene one which is also known as “the dagger” scene is very important in Macbeth, in the scene we start seeing Macbeth character changing. In the scene we can tell Banquo is unaffected by the prophecy “but still keep my bosom franchised, and allegiance clear” From this Banquo experiences the same supernatural event as Macbeth but Banquo is unaffected. Macbeth also experiences a second supernatural event “is this a dagger I see before me?” It seems that the dagger is a product of Macbeth’s own creation or he’s being bewitched. Macbeth tries to hold the dagger, but cannot “come let me clutch thee still” Macbeth is open to suggestion here and blames his feverish state on what he’s about to do. He begins to interpret the meaning for the dagger for himself “thou marshall’st me the way I was going.” Macbeth was longing for approval and confirmation, Macbeth starts imaging that the dagger towards as a sign. Macbeth finds himself reminding the power of Hecate to grant their hearts desires “Witchcraft celebrate pale hecates off ‘rings and withered murder.” By doing this Macbeth is summoning supernatural power himself. Macbeth longs for secrecy to hide the actions he’s about to commit “hear not my steps, which way they walk for fear.” This quote prove that Macbeth is forcing the prophecies to come true and not naturally, macbeth later on realises that he’s actually talking not acting “whiles I threat, he lives; words to heart of deeds too cold breath gives.” Macbeth sees this as a sign for continuation but forces himself to kill.

Within the dagger scene there’s a lot of reference to his senses, visions and Macbeth’s character. Macbeth uses the reference to visions, the supernatural and death “And yet I would not sleep; merciful powers” and “That summons thee to heaven or hell.” This call to the supernatural helps Macbeth commit murder. In the dagger scene we see that Macbeth character become more deceitful to close friends and impatient “I dreamed last night of the three sisters; to you they have showed some truth. I think not of them.”

 The next major scene is when Lady Macbeth and Macbeth hold a banquet for the noblemen. Macbeth also hires an assassin to murder his close friend Banquo, so during the banquet the assassin enters telling him the news about Banquo’s death and unexpectedly Fleance escape. Later on the ceremony Macbeth has vision of Banquo’s ghost, Lady Macbeth tries to regain Macbeth sanity but fails, Macbeth is this then convinced he’s going back to see the three witches. The guests who leave the banquet start suspecting Macbeth killed Duncan and Banquo.

In the scene we see King Macbeth and Queen hosting a big banquet “Ourself mingle with society and play humble host; our hostess keeps her state, but in the best time we will require her welcome” In this quote we see a new side of Macbeth character of boastfulness. When Macbeth sees the assassin he is quite happy until he is told Fleance had escaped. He knows the danger Fleance represents “Thou-art the best o’th cut-throats, yet he’s good that did the like for Fleance, if thou didst it, than art the non-pareil” Macbeth is happy to hear that there’s no longer a threat until he’s told Fleance has escaped. When Macbeth speaks to his guest about Banquo his ghost appears “were the graced person of our Banquo present.” By this Macbeth is lying to his guest by mocking him as if he was alive, he also tries to care for Banquo. When a nobleman tells Macbeth to sit down Macbeth thinks every place at the table is filled “The table’s full” Macbeth mind plays on him and imagines Banquo’s ghost. The ghost strategically sits in Macbeth seat, this event could be supernatural. As Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, Macbeth widely denies what he sees “Thou canst not say” and “which have has done this” Macbeth thinks that the guest are playing on him, Macbeth becomes paranoid by denying the accusation of killing Banquo but no one is accusing him. Before Macbeth tells the nobleman of crimes Lady Macbeth tries to talk sense to Macbeth “Are you a man! This is the very painting of your fear; this is the air dagger which you said led you to Duncan”. Lady Macbeth things that Macbeth is going to commit to what he’s done, so she intervenes by making up a medical condition. This draws a lot of negative attention to him. Macbeth becomes more aware and tries to recover a little control “I do forget Do you not muse at me, my most worthy friends. I have strange infirmity which is nothing to those who know me.” Macbeth tries to calm his guests and tries to cover-up his visualisation by inventing a condition. As the ghost reappears, Macbeth convinces himself that it’s just his imagination, to the audience this could be a sign of guilt [Enter Banquo Ghost] and “And to our dear friend Banquo who we all miss.” After the ghost scene, Macbeth is beyond consolation and that he’s going to visit the witches for some answers “I keep a servant feed, I will tomorrow – and betime I will-to the weird sisters”. For Macbeth to return to the witches tells the audience, that the supernatural has affected Macbeth’s way of thinking.  

        In conclusion we see that Macbeth’s character has changed drastically this has been due to:

• Macbeth’s influences
• Changes through out the play

Macbeth’s Influences

        Macbeth has had many influences from all aspects but the main influences are from the supernatural, this is mainly seen when Macbeth and Banquo first meet the witches. From this part of the scene Macbeth is immediately intrigued when the witches mention the prophecy of Macbeth being king. After analysing what the witches say Macbeth is then very affected by the witches words and starts plotting on how he can claim the crown.

        In act two scene three Macbeth visualises a dagger which is conveniently pointing towards the room of Duncan, Macbeth sees it as a sign. This sign immediately approves and confirms Macbeth’s influence of killing Duncan.

        Another influence in Macbeth character is Lady Macbeth, she pushes Macbeth into murdering Duncan just become king, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth prematurely forces change instead of it becoming natural.

Occurred changes in Macbeth’s character

        From the beginning to the end of the play we see Macbeth’s character transform. In the beginning of the play Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal, humble and popular figure to the king and other noblemen. As we read on from where Macbeth meets the witches we see a new dimension of Macbeth’s character of being inpatient. Macbeth impatience and some persuasion from Lady Macbeth and supernatural events lead’s him to kill the king.

        In the beginning of Act two Scene one Banquo; Macbeth’s best friend who is loyal and caring to Macbeth is concerned that he’s been affected by the prophecies, which he is so Macbeth lies to Banquo. Macbeth then interprets that Banquo wants to become king and in his head thinks Banquo is a threat to his crown hence Macbeth hires an assassin to kill him. Later when Macbeth is King he holds a banquet, we see Macbeth’s new character of being boastful and self-centred.

        The supernatural also shows the weak side of Macbeth’s new character for example when Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost that he’s terrified of his own actions also before the murder of Duncan, Macbeth is weak, scared and almost retreats before he is bullied into killing.

        Through out the play I have seen some prophecies which have come true for example the witches saying that Macbeth being King. This particular prophecy has effected Macbeth in many ways particularly his judgement and his character.