Macbeth
In today's society, people commonly judge one another based on their own standards. How you dress, speak and act are values and measurements on which people can judge you with. Some people tend to emphasize one of the above values over the other, creating differences in opinions frequently. However, those values that people have used to judge others can be faulty with consequences very dire. This is tragically illustrated in Caesar's death, in another Shakespearean classic, Julius Caesar. The great Emperor's death is planned and carried out by the person he loved like a son for all his loyalty and courage, Brutus. The analogous tragedy is also shown in Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. Macbeth is trusted as one of the King's most loyal and faithful servants. However, it is none other than Macbeth himself who murders the King, persuaded by his desire of possessing more power. In Macbeth, the central theme is that one should not base their judgement completely on appearances since they can be deceiving. This can be seen through the minor characters, plot and imagery throughout the play.
The minor characters in Macbeth are part of the constant drive of action that ultimately leads to Macbeth’s demise. Each provides a different perspective on the theme, and yet in that way, a connection can be made so that the theme emerges more clearly than ever before. King Duncan, his son Donalbain, and Macduff are each distinguished by their specific functions in the play and through their speech, reveal the theme from different perspectives. Near the very beginning of the play, the theme was established as an important force by King Duncan, who is a major part of the plot as the innocent obstacle in Macbeth’s path to the crown. When the King comments on the former Thane of Cawdor, who has just been executed for treason, he reflects: “There’s no art / To find the mind’s construction in the face: / He was a gentleman on whom I built / An absolute trust.” (1.4, 9-12) Certainly, the Thane had appeared to be a perfect gentleman under what one would expect to be the watchful eye of the King. Hidden beneath the exterior, however, that was not the case, as the Thane was found guilty of treason. The King’s reaction was not without reason, for who would not be shocked, angered, and grieved to discover that a trusted person was not whom you perceived them to be? Indeed, he was deceived by appearances, and the theme warns us to be wary of just that. Similarly, Donalbain, the son of the murdered King, holds an important place in the play as a character who attempts to hinder the progress of Macbeth’s deceptive rule. When Macduff discovers the dead King, Donalbain and his brother quickly realize that they could become the next victims of a deceitful crime. It was not unlikely, after all, that a threat to the crown had been made and the living heirs would be the next targets. Thus, Donalbain and his brother decide to flee Scotland for their personal safety, and he comments: “Where we are / There’s daggers in men’s smiles, the near in blood, / The nearer bloody.” Donalbain makes a striking reference to the theme: that fair appearances may have foul intentions. Naturally, the smile is meant to show and bring happiness; however, here it is used to disguise the true intent of deception. Donalbain realizes this and they wisely hide themselves from the precarious situation. In this way, the theme is acknowledged, and is in fact, used advantageously. Donalbain recognizes that trusting anyone at the moment based on a smile or simple gesture could prove deadly and so decides to leave the bloody scene with his brother to seek safety elsewhere. Finally, Macduff, a foil of Macbeth, through his speech, once more uncovers the theme. Soon after the discovery of the dead King, Malcolm and Donalbain have already fleed, and Macbeth has been installed as King. In a discussion with Ross, Macduff explains: “They were suborn'd / Malcolm and Donalbain, the King’s two sons, / Are stol’n away and fled, which puts upon them / Suspicion of the deed.” (3.4, lines 9-12) Certainly, the quick exit of the two sons of the King looked suspicious in the eyes of many, allowing the true murderer, Macbeth, an advantage for the time being. Rather than mourning the loss and taking up their duty, they quickly fled the country without an explanation of any kind. However, though Malcolm and Donalbain appeared guilty, they were completely innocent, and fled the country in order to avoid immediate danger and remain safe. It was their true wishes to return once the real murderers (Macbeth and his wife) were discovered, and ultimately to return as the rightful rulers of their country. Unfortunately, Macduff and many others were initially deceived by what appeared to be the case, though the theme tells us repeatedly to be cautious of this. Thus, upon examining the speech of important minor characters, such as the King, Donalbain, and Malcolm, we can see that each further emphasizes the theme. Indeed, the theme serves as a vital role in directing the fate of various characters throughout the play: one must never be too quick in judging by appearances alone, for many consequences may arise. Yet even in today’s world, we continue to “judge a book by its cover”. The theme of Macbeth may cause us to think twice in the future.
