Macbeth by William Shakepeare

MACBETH

BY

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 CONTENT ANALYSIS FOR EASY UNDERSTANDING OF THE TEXT

 

 

PLOT

Duncan, the meek was the king of Scotland.  During his reign Scotland was in a land acquisition war with their Norweyar brothers. This war was full of intrigues. As the war commences the Thane of Cawdor, who happens to be the war leader of the Scottish army switched camp to the Norweyan forces. This coupled with the allies, such as, Kernes and Galboglasses that supported the Norweyan forces. The sudden change creates a lot of problem and destabilization for the Scottish army. They also have a dedicated and committed leader to Macdonwald. Since, the Thane of Cawdor had switched camp, two Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo collectively led the Scottish army to a resounding victory.

 

Before the war, three witches were waiting for Macbeth. When the war ended and victory fell on his side, the witches met him with Banquo as they were going home. They foretell that Macbeth shall be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cowdor and king. They also informed Banquo that his children shall be come king.

 

This statement strongly influenced Macbeth than Banquo. At the city of Scotland, Macbeth and Banquo were greatly honored. The king then announced that he would be dinning with Macbeth and his son would be the Prince of Cumberland, that is, the person to rule after him. On getting to Macbeth castle, he was cunningly persuaded by his wife to murder Duncan in cold blood while he was a guest in their home.

 

The untimely demise of Duncan caught the people of Scotland napping. With Malcolm and Donalbain on the run, Macbeth in the midst of confusion, being the most powerful person in the land was made the king. With this, Macbeth had fulfilled his inordinate ambition to become in line with the witches prophesy.

 

As king, Macbeth trusted only himself and his wife, Lady Macbeth. To checkmate Banquo, he stage managed three poor people turned murderers to kill him. Still unsatisfied, he visited the witches, who warned him to be careful of Thane of Fife, Macduff. He sent hired killers to his residence; they did not see him but ended up killing his wife and son.They also persuaded him to fear no man since no one born of a woman can harm him. The witches also tell him that no person will defeat Macbeth until Birnam forest come to Dunsinane.

 

Meanwhile, Scottish that was dissatisfied with things at home assembled in England, and with the support of Siward, the general of the English forces fought with Macbeth. It was at the commencement of this war of freedom led by Siward that already insane Lady Macbeth gave up the ghost.

 

Lady Macbeth who engineered the killing of Duncan got disturbed in mind, turned insane and confused her crime in the demise of King Duncan. Due to the way Macbeth ruled his people, he had more enemies than friends. Those who claimed to love him were doing it out of sheer command not of love. Macbeth was kill and all the prophesy of the witches fall like a pack of cards, and Malcolm then become the king.

 

 

CHARACTERIZATION

 

Macbeth: He is the tragic hero of the play; he started very well but ended sadly. He allowed his ambition and his wife counsel to lead him in committing lot of atrocities. He was used by supernatural being (witches) to do harm which he later faced the consequence. Also, a general villain, he murdered king Duncan. He became the king in fulfillment of the witches’ prophesy.

Banquo: Also, a general like Macbeth, he was with him at the war and during his encountered with the witches. He represents nobility in the play. His death from Macbeth’s hands epitomizes the beginning of Macbeth’s decay.

Macduff: He discovered the death of Duncan. He suspected Macbeth of killing Duncan. He escaped to England when Macbeth’s murderers visited his home, killing his wife and son. He made it possible for Malcolm to become the king of Scotland.

Lady Macbeth: A very ambitious lady, she tutored and doctored Macbeth to murder King Duncan. She paid for her crime through insanity and subsequent death.

Lady Macduff: This lady and her son were the victims of Macbeth’s evil rule. Her deep love and trust on her husband played significant role in her untimely death.

The Witches: They were three in number. The witches represent the evil forces that ruin the peaceful life of Macbeth. They also represent the forces struggling for his being. They won over Macbeth by their sweet tongue and deception.

THEMES

 

(i)                Theme of over ambition

(ii)              Theme of fear

(iii)            Conflict between man and supernatural

(iv)            Selfishness and insatiable nature of man.

 

MOOD

The play is a tragedy hence the mood is that of pity for the tragic hero.