Macbeth

Macbeth was a man who wanted power but when a prediction was mentioned that he would certainly gain what he required, Macbeth wasn't satisfied. Instead, he went to extreme difficulty to make sure that his power lasted longer and was stronger than it should have. He listened to the evil ways and plans of his wife Lady Macbeth, and put himself in a position that destroyed his self respect, ruined his pride, corrupted his honor, and spoiled his honesty, all in order to occupy and maintain the crown.

As the play opens the first characters we meet are the three witches who are holding a conversation. They speak about a battle that is being fought in Scotland. The three witches have knowledge of the outcome through their supernatural powers. In scene 2 a wounded soldier praises the bravery of Macbeth and Banquo, he tells the king of their victory. Duncan, king of Scotland declares the death sentence on the Thane of Cawdor and pronounces that Macbeth should have the title. The witches greet Macbeth differently ‘Thane of Glamis’, ‘Thane of Cawdor’ and ‘That shalt be king hereafter’. Macbeth discovers he is Thane of Cawdor he begins to wonder if the third prediction will come true. Macbeth assumes he will not be king and decides to do something about it. Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband, stating the prophecy of him becoming king. She is determined that the prediction of him being king will become true, but is worried that Macbeth won’t have the intention to kill for the position. Her determination is shown when she says ‘Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would’, Like the poor cat I’th’ adage?’ The time has come for Macbeth to commit the murder. He performs the unfaithful act but is very worried. The next day Macduff goes to wake Duncan but returns in outrage, and announces that Duncan has been murdered. Lennox speaks of the disturbances during the night; it is assumed the guards were involved. Macbeth admits to have killed the guards in revenge of the death of their king. The king’s sons run away to England as they sense danger, however they are suspected of killing their father.  These entire events led to Macbeth being named king. The first two acts show that Macbeth is a brave, clever and determined general who wishes to have a higher status and a powerful reputation. It is shown Macbeth’s reputation goes before him when the sergeant reports back to the king ‘If I say sooth, I must report they were as cannons overcharged with double cracks, so they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe: Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, Or memorize another Golgotha,’.  Lady Macbeth was introduced as a persuasive woman that  wants her way in life. She is also ambitious but lacks the thinking of her husband. To achieve her ambition, she frees herself of any kindness that might stand in the way.

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The witches’ corrupt Macbeth's mind by making predictions using their supernatural powers, which tend to become true. The Three Witches set Macbeth upon his murderous path. This then makes Macbeth feel that their predictions are coming true and it encourages him to gain the throne and be king. They trick him by telling him the predictions but they don’t warn him of the consequences. When Macbeth is told of the prophecies he tries to question the witches to find out more, but they disappear without explaining what they mean. Macbeth thinks that the witches are just trying to mislead him, ...

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