Macbeth - What factors contribute to his change in character and which dramatic devices help the audience become aware of this decent into evil?

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In committing Duncan’s murder and organising the murder of other influential characters, Macbeth’s character changes from good to evil. What factors contribute to his change in character and which dramatic devices help the audience become aware of this decent into evil? 

In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses a lot of dramatic devices in order for the audience to see Macbeth’s descent into evil. There are many different influences on Macbeth throughout the play. There is his wife, Lady Macbeth, The Witches and their prophecies, his own fear and insecurities as well as his own ambitious drive. These are the factors I will explore in my essay.

The first impression we get of Macbeth is given by the Sergeant in Act 1 Scene 2. He is portrayed as a ‘brave’ and ‘worthy’ gentleman.

‘O Valiant cousin, worthy gentleman’

Act 1 Scene 2 Line 24

This shows that the King himself thinks very highly of Macbeth. Despite his value to the King, Macbeth yearns to be more than just a warrior. In Act 1 Scene 3 Macbeth is greeted by three weird sisters who name him Thane of Cawdor and King hereafter. Their prediction strikes an idea in his head.

‘To be King / Stands not within the prospect of belief’

Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 71 - 72

His eagerness to believe the witches shows that he is ambitious to be more than what he is and that it is not the first time this thought has crossed his mind. Macbeth’s loyal and trustworthy friend Banquo is more suspicious of the Witches and warns him that they will only lead to bad things.

‘Things that do sound so fair’

Act 1 Scene 5 Line 50

This means Banquo has the ability to see the Witches for what they are, which is contrasted by Macbeth’s clouded thoughts caused by his ambition.

Shakespeare makes a reference to clothing in Act 1 Scene 3, where Banquo says to Macbeth that he is ‘rapt’. This is a pun where both meanings to the word are appropriate in different ways. Macbeth is ‘rapt’ in the way he is amazed, and wrapped, as on other garment. This is relevant to Macbeth’s earlier quote after which he finds that he is the Thane of Cawdor.

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‘Why do you dress me / In borrowed robes?’

Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 106 – 107

Shakespeare uses clothing as a dramatic device to make the audience aware of the deception in the play and the desire for some characters, in particular Macbeth, to change their position in society.

By the end of Act 1 Scene 3 Macbeth is seriously considering the Witches predictions. However when asked by Banquo, he denies that he is thinking of the Witches. This is an indication of Macbeth’s road to evil and deceit as he lies his true feelings to ...

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