More hateful to mine ear”
The theme of darkness, hell and evil is used by Shakespeare to convey the drastic and dramatic change in Macbeth’s character and how the other characters perceive him. Relating the name of Macbeth to that of the devil creates a strong atmosphere of hatred and abhorrence towards Macbeth.
When analysing the character of Macbeth, one can also consider the role that the witches play in relation with macbeth’s thought and feelings; after being appointed “Thane of Cawdor” Macbeth, in an aside, reflects on the witches’ prophecies:
“Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor. The greatest is behind.”
The referral to the “greatest” being yet to come gives a sense that Macbeth now believes in what the witches told him and now expects it to happen. Also given is an inkling that Macbeth may be beginning to plot the starts of terrible deeds. This feeling is seen to grow in Macbeth through the scene as, in another soliloquy, he says that he “yield(s) to that suggestion” he tells the audience of a “horrid image” which “doth unfix my (macbeth’s) hair”. Looking at these lines one would tend to think that Macbeth may not be truly evil but other forces, possibly that of the witches, may be at work, placing thoughts of murder and deceit into his mind, preventing him from staying on a just path. One is led to think that these thoughts scare Macbeth. Advancing further into the scene, Macbeth begins to lay out his options:
“If chance will have me king, why chance
may crown me
Without my stir.”
He believes that he may become king through fate without having to kill anyone. At this stage, one may question what Macbeth’s true feelings are and whether he will take the route of good or evil.
This is contrasted strongly in act four; here Macbeth gives the order to kill Macduff and his family even though the apparitions told him “none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth.” He sends the murderers out saying:
“Give to the edge o’ th’ sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls”
He becomes ruthless and feels that he must kill many to protect and ensure his throne; he is very unfeeling and will even kill innocent children to remain as king of Scotland.
Macbeth’s feelings at the time of Duncan’s murder can be revealed by his words and descriptions of what was going through his mind. He tells Lady Macbeth of the events straight after the murder:
“Methought I heard a voice cry, ”sleep no more!
Macbeth does murder sleep””
The repetition of “sleep” and its death adds to the great feeling of guilt given to the audience, Shakespeare uses this strong theme to let the audience feel the guilt as if they were Macbeth. It is very important in understanding the character.
Macbeth’s relationship with his wife is seen to falter, when talking with the doctor he asks, “how is your patient?” The relationship between the Macbeths becomes impersonal and distant. This is shown again as news of the queen’s death is passed to Macbeth. In a soliloquy he reflects on this:
“She (lady Macbeth) should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.”
The audience can tell that the relationship has broken down so much that he doesn’t even have time to mourn for his wife. Macbeth begins to sink into depression; “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.” He reflects on the endless succession of the days and realises that life is pointless and wonders whether to fight up to the last or give in now. The repetition shows the audience the monotony of life that Macbeth is feeling.
After looking at and analysing various aspects of Macbeth’s character, the conclusion can be made that Macbeth may not have been evil at heart. He is referred to as a “butcher”, as far as this is concerned, one would be inclined to agree. A butcher kills without feeling. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth did feel guilt and sorrow but this did not last long. As his hunger for power and control grew, his compassion for his country and his fellow man diminished, he became bloodthirsty and would kill for security of his throne and became a tyrant but he carried a heavy heart full of sorrow.
