How Does Shakespeare Show How the Character of Macbeth Changes Between Act I Scene iii, and Act III Scene I?

AS and A Level English

Matthew Dobson 08/05/2007 9H

English

How Does Shakespeare Show How the Character of Macbeth Changes Between Act I Scene iii, and Act III Scene I?

Shakespeare uses many different methods to show that Macbeth changes greatly between Act I Scene iii and Act III Scene i, these include his use of language in speeches and directional action. Banquo’s reaction in Act I Scene iii shows that Macbeth is initially afraid of the prophecy. Macbeth’s own speech indicates that he is unsure of the truth in what he has been told, but is both intrigued and excited by the thought of becoming king, however, he is confused by his inner thoughts of murder and deceit. His speech in Act I Scene iii shows that he is still loyal to Banquo. However, by Act III Scene i his irrational speech betrays his paranoia. His action in employing the murderers shows his desperation to remain king, combined with his speech exposes his deceitful nature. Macbeth’s guilty and frail mental state is revealed through his speeches to the audience.

In Act I Scene iii, Macbeth initially appears to be afraid of the witches’ prophecy. This can be deduced from Banquos’ question upon seeing his friend Macbeth’s reaction to the prophecy. He asks Macbeth, “Why do you start and seem to fear, things that do sound so fair?” The word ‘start’ suggests that Macbeth has jumped in fright and bewilderment. The phrase ‘seem to fear,’ shows us that Macbeths’ expression betrays the fact that he is shocked and in awe of what the witches have said.

In Act I, Scene iii, Macbeth is still acting friendly to Banquo, ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

In Act I Scene iii, Macbeth initially appears to be afraid of the witches’ prophecy. This can be deduced from Banquos’ question upon seeing his friend Macbeth’s reaction to the prophecy. He asks Macbeth, “Why do you start and seem to fear, things that do sound so fair?” The word ‘start’ suggests that Macbeth has jumped in fright and bewilderment. The phrase ‘seem to fear,’ shows us that Macbeths’ expression betrays the fact that he is shocked and in awe of what the witches have said.

In Act I, Scene iii, Macbeth is still acting friendly to Banquo, even though he is starting to perceive him as a threat. This is shown by the two quotes, “My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,” and, “’till then, come friends.” The words, ‘My thoughts,’ and, ‘yet is but fantastical,’ indicate that he is thinking about murder, but as yet does not know why and that he is deciding not to act upon his thoughts yet, but to leave them to fate. The phrase, ‘Come friends,’ shows that he is still acting friendly to the other characters, when we know that he is really dwelling on the thought of murder.

However, in Act III Scene i, Macbeth’s desperation to remain king has grown, and his friendship with Banquo is coming second place to him being king. This is shown by the quote, “upon my head they placed a fruitless crown, and put a barren sceptre in my grip.” The words, ‘fruitless crown’ and, ‘barren sceptre,’ show that Macbeth now fully believes in the prophesy and is worried about his children not becoming king. The quote, “They hailed him father to a line of kings,” shows Macbeth’s contempt at Banquo and the witches for blessing Banquo with a line of kings but not him. This also gives us an insight into his paranoia and frail mind.

Macbeth’s true nature is uncovered in Act III, Scene i, when he hires the murderers to assassinate Banquo. “Know that it was he in the times past which held you so under fortune,” The word, ‘he,’ refers to Banquo, this shows that Macbeth is misleading the murderers, by saying that it was Banquo who locked them up and sentenced them, not him. This again gives the audience a glimpse of Macbeth’s deceitful and paranoid mind, and the fact that now he will do anything to remain king. At this point in the play, I feel that the audience, for the first time, fully realise how obsessed and paranoid, Macbeth has become, with remaining king, and also having a line of kings as children. The fact that he was willing to kill one of his best friends and his children, just because he thinks they will jeopardise his chances of his children being kings, shows how obsessed at being king he is now in comparison to Act I, Scene iii, where he planned to leave it all to fate.

Pg.