How does the audience's perception of Macbeth change during Act One.

How does Macbeth's character Change

Q1. How does the audience´s perception of Macbeth change during Act One.

In William Shakespeare´s "Macbeth", the audience witnesses one man´s is overriding ambitions resulting in consequences both for himself and those around him. In the play the main character is heavily influenced and persuaded by external forces, particularly the supernatural and the immense ambition of Lady Macbeth.

In Act I, Shakespeare set the scene for what is to prove the pivotal part of the play, the death of King Duncan. Therefore, through act one the audience´s perception of Macbeth changes completely. The character who entered the stage at the beginning is, in the eyes of the audience, completely different person from the character at the end of the first act. He transforms himself from a man of deep morality and honesty to one who is prepared to kill the sovereign king.

Even before Macbeth himself appears on stage, he is discussed in admiring terms by the king and the king´s eldest son 'Malcolm´. They speak of Macbeth in such glowing terms following his recent successes in the battlefield, whilst in the service of the King. In act I scene 2 a captain describes how Macbeth killed McDonald in battle. McDonald is a traitor and this further elevates his stature amongst the king and his followers.

"Captain: … but alls too weak,
for brave Macbeth where he deserves that name-" (I.I.I5-I6)

In hearing Macbeth had been described in such praise worthy terms, Shakespeare drives the audience to view the lead character with the highest regard. Macbeth comes across as an honest, obedient and most loyal servant to the king.

Shakespeare wrote in approval of those who supported the Monarch. It is thought that his inspiration for the play was the current king, James I. James I was known for his interest in witchcraft and the supernatural. Furthermore, he liked plays that dealt with the concerns of royal life, for example, loyalty, family ties and most importantly public perception of the monarchy. Hence the issues of personal power, trust and ambition are fundamental to the play.

The audience is highly approving of Macbeth initially. This sense of approval and admiration is further emphasised by the award and praise heaped on Macbeth from king Duncan. Not only does the King refer to Macbeth as "worthy cousin", but also, the King confers upon Macbeth the new title "Thane Of Cawdor".

It is ironic that Macbeth has been given this title "Thane Of Cawdor". Prior to Macbeth, the title is held by a man who emerged as a traitor to the King. Therefore, is some sense the audience is already being given indications that Macbeth may not possess completely pure intentions. The irony is that King Duncan´s conferring the title upon Macbeth demonstrates his admiration and respect for a man who will become a traitor and more significantly his murderer. The act of rewarding a seemly honourable subject seals the fate of the king and highlights through out the vulnerability of the king from within his own court.

In act I scene to the audience is at their highest point in terms of their perception of Macbeth. Onwards our view of him will gradually deteriorate through the events of the play, until he himself, is killed by Macduff. At Macbeth´s death he has evolved fully and we will perceive him as the most evil, ambitious and treacherous person in the play. This is a complete contradiction to our original perception of him.

When the witches appear to Macbeth, in act one scene III, he is intrigued by their presence. This curiosity and interest is a significant factor in ...

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When the witches appear to Macbeth, in act one scene III, he is intrigued by their presence. This curiosity and interest is a significant factor in his downfall. His obsession with the words of the witches causes his ambitions to over-ride his judgement. Initially, audience can understand Macbeth´s curiosity and desire to have these strange predictions explained more fully.

"… say from where
you are all this is strange intelligence, or why
upon this blasted heath you stop our way
with such prophetic greeting? Speak I charge you." (I.3. 75-8)
Here he urges the witches to explain more, but they disappear.

Like Macbeth, the audience is also intrigued to hear that Macbeth is to become the next "Thane of Cawdor". Therefore, this particular prophecy has appeared to be true. The audience of Shakespeare´s time was deeply religious. It was God-fearing and strongly Christian in its values. A key representative of this society is the character of Banquo. The audiences view parallels the opinion of Banquo, once more highlighting flaws in the character of Macbeth.

The witches "great prediction" is a half-truth, nonetheless, Macbeth is quite intrigued and excited at the coming of the King. It is Banquo who questions the validity of the witches´ comments. He also points out the inherent in danger in the relying upon such supernatural forces. Even though Banquo has been promised the great riches, in terms of his descendants becoming kings, he is the one who is rational and more Christian in his response. He warns Macbeth:

"Banquo: The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
win us with honest trifles, to betray´s the
in deepest consequence". (I.2.I26-8)

In comparing Banquo´s reaction to that of Macbeth, the audience sees Macbeth as becoming increasing keen to fulfil his ambitions. Next, Banquo converses with the messengers Rosse and Angus, Macbeth expresses his thoughts in an aside. In his speech Macbeth´s state of mind is clearly shown to the audience. We can now realise how the thoughts in Macbeth´s mind are immediately pointing to murder. It is shocking to see how the thought of murder occurs to him so soon. Yet, Macbeth is in a confused state of mind on whether or not to pursue his ambitions. For example, he remembers his meeting with the witches, the notion of murder for the sake of power fills him with fear.

"If good, why do I yield to that a suggestion
whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock out my rooms." (I.3.I35-7)

Here Macbeth is over come with fear at the prospect of what is involved in becoming King. Yet, simultaneously his ambition is spurring him on. This dual train of thought illustrates his internal conflict.

As the audience hears Macbeth´s thoughts, our opinion of him is beginning to deteriorate. It is important to note that although both the witches and Lady Macbeth have a very strong part to play in persuading Macbeth to commit murder, it is he who initially utters the word "murder" and thinks he must commit the deed.

In act I scene four, the audience´s perception of Macbeth further deteriorates as we witness how on the one hand, Macbeth accepts and the praise of his king, yet on the other he aligns himself with the dark supernatural world of murder. Macbeth´s keenness and gratitude here demonstrates how he is now a hypocritical nature:

"The service and the loyalty love,
in doing it, pays itself.
Your Highness´ part, is to receive our duties." (I.4.22-4)

Macbeth expresses this seeming loyalty to King Duncan directly, however, in an aside a few moments later Macbeth expresses his absolute desire to fulfil the witches´ final prophecy. This double-dealing will be the cause of his final downfall. The King announces that his heir will be his eldest son Malcolm. He has conferred upon Malcolm the title Prince of Cumberland. This means upon the King´s death Malcolm shall become the King of Scotland. In this aside, Macbeth expresses his thoughts to the audience only, he pledges himself to the darker world of the supernatural.

"…Stars hide your fires,
let not light see my black and deep desires" (I.4.5I-2)

Macbeth is aware that those from the dark side bear no conscience, and for this deed he desires this quality. The witches possess no ethics and when Macbeth realises that Malcolm poses a threat to him directly, he loses his sense of right and wrong.

Here the audience is convinced that Macbeth´s intends to kill the King. Within the space of a few short scenes he has deteriorated from a worthy and brave soldier to a potential murderer. It is upon the entrance of Lady Macbeth that the audience sees a new dimension to Macbeth´s character.

In this exchange towards the end of act one the audience senses the deep irony in this conversation between and Duncan and Banquo. Both will become victims of Macbeth´s ambitions. In hearing them complementing the surroundings so vividly, the audience fears for their safety and conversely despise Macbeth all the more. Since, Macbeth´s closest friend and King trust him, the audience see that Duncan will die and that Banquo is in danger thereby adding to the treachery of Macbeth:

"Duncan: conducted me to mine host; where he allowed him highly,
And shall continue our graces towards him".

The king has been invited as a guest to the house of Macbeth. Therefore, to invite the king to you´re house and then to murder him is a greatest act of disloyalty.

In his soliloquy, Macbeth expresses his complex thoughts, which demonstrate to the audience that he is in a confused state of mind. At this point the audience hopes that the deed can be avoided. Macbeth opens the soliloquy by asserting that if he has to kill the King, he should do so quickly. However, he then goes on to contradict himself by referring to this deed as a "poisoned chalice" (I.7.II). A "poisoned chalice" is something that seems good but in the long run it has negative implications and consequences.

In this soliloquy Macbeth clearly shows the audience that he possesses a deep conscience and that he feels a growing sense of guilt. "He´s here in double trust: first, as I am his kinsmen …then as his host" (I.7.I2-4)

Macbeth expresses to the audience that it is malevolent to kill Duncan, for two reasons. Macbeth imagines the king being killed by him, and how Duncan´s reputation will only improve and increase in the eyes of the public as he has been an honourable King. Secondly, Macbeth´s reign would forever be overshadowed by the popularity and untimely death of the King.

"So clear in his great office, that his virtues,
will plead like angels, trumped-tongued against
The deep damnation of his taking off." (I.7.I8-20)

This is the closest that Macbeth comes to questioning his actions the deed he has chosen to undertake. However, the reasons are purely superficial, as he is primarily concerned with what others may think, rather than thinking about how much the King has done for him and cares for him.

Therefore, Macbeth is not simply the resolute and single-minded ambitious character we perceived him to be. It appears that when Macbeth is alone on stage he is a person with a conscience as well as a desire to succeed. However, it is when his wife appears to spur him on he becomes much more charged with ambition.

Macbeth´s indecisiveness towards the death of the King is shown in Act one scene 7, when he states clearly to Lady Macbeth that he has no intention of killing the King.

" We will proceed no further in this business.
He hath honoured me of late and I have bought
Golden opinions from all sorts of people" (I.7.3I-3)

Macbeth appears at this stage absolutely determined not to continue. The chiding of his wife soon changes his opinion. In her speech, Lady Macbeth refers to Macbeth as a "coward"(I.7.43). She criticizes her husband for appearing on one hand determined and on the other hand fearful. She also refers to the fact that the prospect of killing the King under his own roof will make Macbeth look quite ill.
"And wakes it now to look so green and pale" (I.7.37)

From this quotation the audience senses that Macbeth is struggling with his conscience. The situation is affecting his health and judgement. Through the dialogue in scene seven we witness how Macbeth tries to assert his own authority but he ultimately proves to be weak and unsuccessful.

"Prithee peace
I dare do all that may become a man
Who dares do more is none." (I.7.44-6)

Yet when Lady Macbeth describes in violent terms what she herself would be prepared to do in this situation Macbeth´s mind is instantly changed. She explains how willing she would be, by stating that she would go as far as murdering her own child if necessary.

" I would, while it was smiling in my face,
have plucked my nipple from its boneless gums
and dashed her brains out" (I.7.55-6)

In this contrast we the audience see how Lady Macbeth is far more willing to commit brutal acts of violence in the name of ambition, compared to Macbeth.

Macbeth´s final comment at the end of Act one expresses how he has decided to complete this most evil deed.

" I am settled, and bend up
each corporal agent to this terrible feat." (I.7.80-I)

Therefore, Macbeth comes across to the audience, during Act one as a complex man. Also there are several dimensions to his character. Before the play begins he is acknowledged as a brave solider, an honest and loyal servant to his sovereign king. On the battlefield he has been described as an example to others, on how to fight bravely. Nonetheless, we see how through temptation and external forces (the supernatural and his wife) he is transformed from a loyal subject to a deceitful and evil man.
He shows through the course of Act I that he is capable of careful thought and reasoning with himself, for example, about whether or not to kill the king. However, our opinions of him at the end of the act have deteriorated dramatically from our original view of him as seen though the eyes of others. Therefore, the audiences´ perception of Macbeth comes full circle in terms of seeing what he was and what he has now become