Due to the violent, murdering, paranoid, crazed, dictator that Macbeth becomes, it is easy to forget that he begins the play as a respected general in the Scottish army. Additionally, he is a nobleman of high standing and a favourite of King Duncan.
So, how does this loyal and virtuous soldier, who is described as “…brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name…”(I.ii) become a regicidal usurper?
Macbeth’s Ambition
All tragic heroes have at least one flaw, sometimes known as the hamartia, which causes their downfall. In the case of Macbeth, it could be said that his hamartia is his ambition (although this would not conform to Aristotle's meaning of hamartia as an unwilling mistake or error in judgement). Often it is claimed that Lady Macbeth initiates the plot to kill Duncan, but, while it is true she encourages the act, Macbeth does not shy away from murderous thoughts, “The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step, On which I must fall down, or else o’er-leap, For in my way it lies.”(I.iii).
Furthermore, after Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor, as the Witches predicted, the ambition of ascending to the throne is firmly cemented in his psyche, “Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme.”(I.iii)
Superstition in Macbeth’s Character
However, it is important to bear in mind that ambition alone did not result in Macbeth’s downfall. Many people point to the notion of self-fulfilling prophecy in Macbeth and it is fair to assume that had he not met the Witches, it would not have occurred to Macbeth to perform the act of regicide.
Therefore, there is an element of superstition in Macbeth’s character that should not be overlooked. Particularly in the later acts, the Witches prophecies become increasingly significant to Macbeth and dictate many of his actions.
Influence of Lady Macbeth
As mentioned above, it is erroneous to believe that Lady Macbeth is the instigator of the murder plot. However, it cannot be argued that she has great influence over her husband and it is reasonably safe to assume that Macbeth would not have carried out the plan if it were not for Lady Macbeth’s provocation.
In order to goad her husband into murder, Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s courage “Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire?“(I.vii) and, more importantly, his manhood, as she tells him “ When you durst do it, then you were a man: And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man.”(I.vii).
Predetermination in Macbeth
From the very opening of Macbeth, as with all tragedies, there is a sense of foreboding. Predominantly, this is created by the peculiar Weird Sisters and their plans to meet with Macbeth on the heath. An audience is very aware that no good can come from this engagement.
Subsequently, it seems that Macbeth’s destiny has been predetermined and he is, therefore, powerless to alter the events of the play. This is an interesting way to examine the play, because it suggests that Macbeth is not culpable for any of his actions, which may alter an audience’s perception of his character.
For more information, read 'Character Analysis of Lady Macbeth' and 'Macbeth's Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow'.
Samantha Markham - Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer with a particular passion for literary and theatrical subjects.
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