Laura Watts 11MT

Macbeth changes during the course of the play,
what evidence is there for this and what causes it?

Macbeth is one of many plays written by William Shakespeare. It was written in 1605 when witchcraft and the Jacobean order were both observed.

Macbeth, is placed within the genre tragedy. The word tragedy doesn’t have the same definition as the word tragic. For a story or play to be in the genre of tragedy it must contain certain ingredients and follow certain guidelines. These guidelines refer to the main protagonist. The character is of high or noble birth and has many good qualities but contains a flaw. As a result of the flaw the character receives a lack of respect. Towards the end the character will try to redeem himself having recognised their wrong doing, which makes the audience feel pity. In the process many innocent people will suffer. In the end the character dies. 

During the period when the play was written, there was a certain belief in Jacobean order. Many people believed and abided by this order. They saw God as being at the top of the hierarchy and below him the King, who the people thought was God’s agent. They understood that if the King was killed illegitimately, the news would upset God and cause disorder and misery. If this act was carried out it would disturb nature. 

The play is set in Scotland and during this time Scotland and Norway were in battle with one another. 

The opening scene is of the witches and instantly sets off a gruesome and brutal tone. The emphasis on thunder, lightning or rain also adds to the tone. This is because these words are linked with horror, terror and rebellion. The witches are unnatural and their values are the reverse of normal human values, their philosophy being, 

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair." (Act 1, Sc. 1, Line 11) 

In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" (Act 1, Sc. 1, Lines 1-2) 

The word ‘meet’ is very peculiar because this word could means ‘arranged’. Therefore the witches may have planned this from the beginning and used Macbeth because they may have known of his inner ambitions. This may have been planned for many reasons, one being the King was a good and they only liked evil. This shows that evil recognises evil. Their philosophy could also relate to Macbeth’s character. 

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair." (Act 1, Sc. 1, Lines 1-2) 

This could mean Macbeth has the appearance of being really nice, brave and loyal when inside he is evil, cunning and disloyal. This eventually happens and Macbeth is seen as evil. 

At the start of the play it becomes clear that Macbeth is admired for both his bravery in battle and his loyalty to the King. 

"Stay you imperfect speakers tell me more." (Act 1, Sc. 3, Line 70) 

Banquo is also informed he is to be the father of a line of Kings. He, unlike Macbeth is very suspicious of the witches. Once fate has been dealt, and the seed for kingship has been sown, the witches leave. Macbeth has received a helping hand with his inner ambition to become King. It is then that Macbeth is informed he is to become the Thane of Cawdor for showing much bravery and courage when in battle. 

"It is a peerless kinsman." (Act 1, Sc. 4, Line 58) 

At a banquet celebration Macbeth learns that Malcolm, Duncan’s eldest son, is to become the next heir to the throne and receives the title Prince of Cumberland. It then becomes apparent to Macbeth that Malcolm is an obstacle between himself and the throne. 

On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap." (Act 1, Sc. 4, Lines 49-50) 

At this juncture Macbeth is very disappointed because he feels he has had to prove himself to many people. He received the title Thane of Cawdor because when he was in battle he showed a great deal of bravery and was very courageous. Whereas Malcolm received his title because he was the son of Duncan. Much deceit is recognised. 

So humbly take my leave." (Act 1, Sc. 4, Lines 44-48)  

It is too full o’ th’ milk of kindness." (Act 1, Sc. 5, Lines 14-15) 

Lady Macbeth is very conniving and I feel her dominance towards Macbeth helps his character to become evil and over ambitious. She verbally bullies Macbeth into carrying out such an evil act. 

"And live a coward in thine own esteem." (Act 1, Sc. 7, Line 43)  

Macbeth is very unsure and wants them both to talk it through further. He persuades himself not to commit such a murder because he recognises right from wrong. He believes in the Jacobean order and feels such a murder would be a sin against God. Lady Macbeth’s own ambition is clearly shown. She is very upset and angry with her husband, calling him a coward, she is taunting him. She proceeds to go into more depth with this matter and questions his manhood. 

Be so much more the man." (Act 1, Sc. 7, Lines 47-51) 

Macbeth’s loyalty towards the King collapses due to Lady Macbeth’s persuasion. She dominates him saying she would even kill her own child if she had promised. 

And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you." (Act 1, Sc. 7, Lines 52-55) 

She convinces him there is no chance of failure. Her plan is perfect and the blame will be set upon the guards. She also says no one will question them as their grief will be so great. Macbeth agrees, he has been persuaded by her. 

"I am settled, and bend up." (Act 1, Sc. 7, Line 79) 

The handle toward my hand?" (Act 2, Sc. 1, Lines 33-34) 

Macbeth is being controlled by external forces, these are fate and the witches predictions. 

Alarmed by his sentinel the wolf." (Act 2, Sc. 1, Lines 51-53) 

Macbeth enters the room where Duncan lies. There is no longer a choice the deed has to be dealt with. Duncan must be murdered. This also shows fate.  

That summons thee to heaven or to hell." (Act 2, Sc. 1, Lines 62-64) 

When the murder has been committed Macbeth is full of regret. He looks down at the blood on his hands and is full of remorse. He is scared people will find out about the truth. 

"This is a sorry sight." (Act 2, Sc2, Line 21) 

Macbeth feels he has murdered sleep. Sleep is natural therefore he has destroyed nature and gone against God. He believes he will no longer be able to sleep because he has committed a cordial sin.  

"Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!’

Macbeth does murder sleep, the innocent sleep." (Act 2, Sc. 2, Lines 36-37) 

He is full of confusion and unable to think straight. Lady Macbeth takes control, telling him to dispose of the evidence. 

And wash this filthy witness from your hand." (Act 2, Sc. 2, Lines 55-56) 

After killing Duncan Macbeth was in a state of shock and confusion. Unable to think straight he brought the daggers which held the blood of Duncan back, instead of leaving them with the guards. 

The sleepy grooms with blood." (Act 2, Sc2, Lines 47-49) 

Lady Macbeth tells him to take them back but he refuses because he is afraid and scared. It has still not registered in his mind and he doesn’t want to believe what act he has carried out. 

Look on’t again I dare not." (Act 2, Sc. 2, Lines 51-53) 

Macbeth is scared and feels he will never free himself from the guilt of this horrendous deed. 

Clean from my hands? No." (Act 2, Sc. 2, Lines 60-61) 

(Act 2, Sc. 2, Lines 73-74)  

The morning after Macbeth shows much deceit. 

"I’ll bring you to him." (Act 2, Sc. 3, Line 42) 

Saying he will take Macduff to Duncan when he knows full well that Duncan is dead. They discover Duncan is dead and the blame is put upon the guards. Macbeth kills them which was a mistake and tries to make up a feeble excuse, especially for a brave warrior. 

Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man." (Act 2, Sc. 3, Lines 101-102) 

Lady Macbeth realises Macbeth has made a mistake and so faints in order to help him. This shows loyalty towards her husband. 

"Help me hence, ho!" (Act 2, Sc. 3, Line 112) 

The witches prediction becomes true, Macbeth is named King. 

"The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth." (Act 2, Sc. 4, Line 30) 

Banquo begins to become suspicious of Macbeth. 

Thou play’dst most foully for’t." (Act 3, Sc. 1, Lines 2-3) 

Banquo feels Macbeth has killed the King. He also wonders whether or not his fate has been decided by the witches. 

Macbeth is now beginning to change. His ambition to become King is now fulfilled and he will take the necessary precautions for it to stay that way. He feels Fleance, Banquo’s son, is a threat to his kingship because the witches predicted Fleance would become King. Macbeth becomes very cunning, making conversation with Banquo, as if interested, when really he wants to know so his obstacle can be dealt with. He wants Banquo and Fleance to die so his threat no longer exists. 

"Is’t far you ride?" (Act 3, Sc. 1, Line 24) 

Macbeth fears Banquo, his fear is based upon the fact that Banquo has children and Macbeth has none. 

Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown." (Act 3, Sc. 1, Lines 60-61)  

Macbeth feels he has murdered Duncan for Fleance.  

For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered." (Act 3, Sc. 1, Lines 65-66) 

Macbeth asks two men to murder Banquo and Fleance, this shows a lack of confidence in his own power and he is unsure of their loyalty towards him. As King, Macbeth should not have to ask. 

"Have you considered of my speeches?" (Act 3, Sc. 1, Line 77) 

Macbeth is becoming more like Lady Macbeth, he tries to persuade them both. He forces thoughts into their minds and persuades them into believing Banquo is an evil character and it would be in their best interests if he were dead. Macbeth is hoping they will begin to have a grudge against Banquo convincing them that it is a good idea he should be dead. He is becoming more deceitful. His ambition is ruling him, he would even have his best friend murdered as he sees this as an obstacle. They are both persuaded. 

Perform what you command us." (Act 3, Sc. 1, Lines 27-28) 

"Then comes my fit again." (Act 3, Sc. 4, Line 21)

He will again be well." (Act 3, Sc. 4, Lines 55-56) 

"We are yet but young in deed." (Act 3, Sc. 4, Line 144) 

This is a turning point from which Macbeth returns to the witches for reassurance about his future. They inform him of their predictions. The first prediction is to beware of Macduff, the second, not to fear any man born of woman and the third, he will not die unless Birman Wood moves towards his castle. 

Macbeth feels threatened by Macduff and in order to upset Macduff, Macbeth has his family brutally murdered. This is unnecessary and unlike previous murders, these serve no purpose and portray the lowest point in Macbeth’s decline. It shows how evil and insecure Macbeth is becoming. The witches have succeeded once again in manipulating Macbeth’s actions.  

The roles between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are now in reverse. Lady Macbeth has broken under the strain of her guilt. She continually washes her hands and speaks to herself, she has become weak. Whereas Macbeth is gathering force, he is becoming even more conniving, evil and brutal. 

Macbeth now believes there is no point in turning back. He is willing to carry on, his ambition is overpowering and nothing will stop him. Fate is now in control. 

Returning were as tedious as go o’er." (Act 3, Sc. 4, Lines 137-138) 

When Macbeth sees Birman Wood moving he realises the third prediction has become true. He now sees that the witches tricked him and admits he has been driven by evil. 

Cannot once start me." (Act 5, Sc. 5, Lines 13-15) 

Macbeth has become defiant once again. He is sick of life at this point. He is depressed because he is realising his mistakes and I feel he wishes he could turn the clock back. 

At least we’ll die with harness on our back." (Act 5, Sc. 5, Lines 49-52) 

Macbeth almost believes in his own invincibility and a mixture of remorse and fear is shown just before he and Macduff fight. 

But get thee back, my soul is too much charged with blood of thine already." (Act 5, Sc. 8, Lines 5-7) 

And dawned to him that first cries ‘Hold, enough!" (Act 5, Sc. 8, Lines 33-34) 

During this play Macbeth, the character changed dramatically. To begin with he was loyal, brave and good but because of influence from his wife, his own ambition and the witches, he changed into a disloyal, cunning and evil character. His character was a fight between good and evil and resulted in the evil winning. 

When he murdered Duncan, afterwards I feel he was full of regret and remorse. After this we see a change in character. He has many people murdered for no apparent reason. I think he feels threatened by everything and everyone, as a result he feels insecure and lashes out at unnecessary things.

His language also changes and he begins to use animal imagery showing he is more brutal and evil. His state of mind changes. 

All by the name of dogs." (Act 3, Sc. 1, Lines 94-96) 

This is contrasted with the love and loyalty towards his wife. 

"My dearest love." 

Even though he has become evil and disloyal he still shows much respect for his wife.