Macbeth’s Crimes Essay

Macbeths crimes be blood, appalling and pitiless. Does Shakespeargon present this onlycher, hell-kite and fiend as a monster or as someone with whom it is possible to feel sympathy?The play Macbeth was compose by go outiam Shakespeare. It was written for the successor of Elizabeth I, jam I of England. James I of England, who was James VI of Scotland, was a descendent of Banquo, and for this reason Shakespeare changed his play from the steering this event actually took place in bill. In history Banquo actually aided Macbeth in the cleanup position of Dun laughingstock, this would call for upset the female monarch and may chip in got Shakespeare in a lot of trouble. Therefore Shakespeare changed it so that Banquo was non part of the plan to murder the business leader and was against the thinker totally. Shakespeare added the witches into the play, as James was deeply interested in witchcraft.This would mention the play more than appealing to the king. James was a firm believe of The Divine Right Of Kings, this was a way of thinking that kings were hand picked by God and that they were, second in the hierarchy of the whole universe underneath God. As James believed in this way of thinking it made the murder of Duncan a lot more spectacular.When Duncan was murdered in that location was dramatic affects on Scotland. Shakespeare showed this unnatural affect over Scotland by things happening that would not happen normally. Such as horses eating each other and earthquakes happening. In the play Macbeth is shown as a tradgic hero. A tradgic hero is when a colossal heroic slice has a weakness in his character, for Macbeth the flaw in his character is his great ambition. His flaw has come from the witches telling him the 3 prophecies. This turned his whole perspective around and that was when his ambition took over.As the play starts we see do not see Macbeth but we hear of how great a man he is and how much of a great brave worrier he is highly recko ned by all of his fellow Thanes and he alike commands high look upon from the king as well. There seems to be a connection with him and the witches in the first horizon as the witches narrateFair is foul, and foul is straightforward(p) (act 1, facet I)This quotation show that things are not exactly what they seem. Macbeth repeats these words later on in that act.So foul and fair a day I get to no seen (Act 1, pictorial matter III)When Macbeth says this in that location is a sense that the witch has already got some source over him, even deoxyguanosine monophosphategh they have not met each other yet.At the battle the serjeant seems very happy that they had Macbeth on his side. The sergeant shows that he has great respect for Macbeth by complimenting him. Except they mount to the battle in reeking wounds or memorize another Golgotha (Act 1, motion-picture show II)This phrase means that the sergeant was not sure if Macbeth and Banquo cute to swim in blood or make anothe r Golgotha, which was when Jesus was sacrificed. King Duncan also shows his respect for Macbeth when he says O valiant cousin Worthy gentlemen (Act 1, panorama II)Duncan is demo that he has great amounts of respect for Macbeth.After the battle has suckn place Macbeth and Banquo are on their way home when the come crosswise the 3 witches. The witches great Macbeth with 3 prophesies1. solely hail Macbeth Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis2. either hail Macbeth Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor3. entirely hail Macbeth That shalt be king hereafter.As Macbeth is told he ordain be king hereafter in that respect is a panorama in the back of his mind to kill the king. These prophecies have shocked Macbeth and when the witches start to bring home the bacon he tries to make them stay. He tries to make them tell him more intimately the prophecies. When Ross tells Macbeth that he has become Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth has the opinion of cleanup spot the king again. Banquo says to him self in a soliloquyWhat can the d flagitious speak true? (Act1, depiction III)Banquo is stunned at the news, as is Macbeth. Macbeth asks them where they got this information as the Thane of Cawdor lives. Ross says that the Thane of Cawdor has been a traitor and that he is to be hanged. In Macbeths first soliloquy he saysGlamis, and Thane of Cawdor The greatest is behind. (Act 1, exposure III)This shows that Macbeth has great trust in the prophecies and is contemplating tolerate or not to kill the king. Macbeth also shows that he doesnt really want to kill the king when he says If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, with out my stir. (Act 1, scene III)Macbeth is demonstrate resistance to cleanup position the king as he thinks that if he doesnt do anything thusly perhaps he will have a change of being king. This shows that Macbeth does have a conscience and that he knows the difference between right and wrong. There is a great contrast between Banquo and Macbeth when the y are told close each of their prophecies. Macbeth looks a lot in to them where as Banquo doesnt really look into them much. Banquo also warns Macbeth that the witches prophecies may not be the whole truth and may cause a lot of damage to him, in spite of this Macbeth alleviate wants to be king. This shows Macbeth has ambition and this is the flaw of his character.Macbeth is not at all happy with Duncans ending to make Malcolm, The Prince of Cumberland his heir to the throne. Macbeth is so angry with the decision in his soliloquy he saysStars hide your fires let not light see my black and deep desires (Act 1 scene III)Macbeth has reached a turning smudge he wants to kill Duncan because now there is now way the he can become king unless he kills Duncan. The quotation shows that he knows what he is going to do is wrong so he wants to make no one can see what he is doing.In act 1 scene 7 Macbeth has another soliloquy in which he faces a real dilemma. He is stuck with the decision weather or not to kill the king. His sayHe is here in double trust First as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against deed past, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door (Act 1, scene VII)Macbeth is really confused at this point he is not sure if he wants to kill Duncan or not. The quote above shows if he does indeed he is going against his morals and conscience. I think Macbeth knows the plentiful consequences of what he is about to do, this is why he has some doubt in his mind, as the consequences are terrible. Macbeth then talks to his wife about his plan to kill Duncan, and how he is having second thoughts about cleansing Duncan. chick Macbeth teases him, so out of pride Macbeth is forced into killing Duncan.In Act 2 Scene I Macbeth is all alone when he sees a thorn in front off him.Is this a thorn which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee I have thee not (Act 2, scene I)I think that there is a large significa nce of this dagger being there. The dagger is blood soaked and is pointing towards the chambers of the king. I think that the dagger is a way of his mind showing us that he has a guilty conscience and that he has become possessed by evil. All of the forcing from his wife has passed him over to the evil side and now he is dead set on killing Duncan. There is also an element of ambition, as he wants to kill Duncan to show he is capable and also for himself to show that he is a real man to his wife.Once Macbeth has murdered Duncan he acts very opposed almost like he is in a daze. He looks very disturbed, he saysThis is a blueish sight (Act2, scene II)He says this as he is looking at his pass on as if he was disgusted with himself and that he couldnt believe he had done such a terrible thing. objet dart Macbeth was killing Duncan he heard voices expressSleep no more Macbeth does murder sleep (Act 2, scene II)This really got to Macbeth, he didnt know where the voice came from and it really startled him. Lady Macbeth just told him to take no notice of what the voices had said.But wherefore could not I pronounce Amen? I had most carry of blessing, and Amen stuck in my throat. (Act 2, scene II)This also scared Macbeth has when he was about to kill Duncan he wanted to say a prayer but the word Amen was stuck in his throat. These two affects were the first few consequences of killing Duncan.Will all great Neptunes ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous sea incarnadine, Make the green one red (Act 2, scene II)This quote shows Macbeth is kickoff to feel guilty about his actions. When Macbeth says will great Neptunes oceans wash this blood clean from my hands he is conveying that it is such a bad thing that he has done nothing in the universe can clear him of his sins. Macbeth shows regret for him killing Duncan when he saysWake Duncan with thy knocking I would thou couldst (Act 2, scene II)Macbeth is becoming unstab le mentally and is regretting killing Duncan.In act 3 Scene 4 Macbeth is having a fete. At the start Macbeth is called away to see on of the murderers who gave him a report. Macbeth wanted Banquo and his son Fleance to be killed, the murderers only killed Banquo but Fleance got away.Then comes my fit again I had else been perfect Whole as the marble, founded as the rock, As broad and general as the casing air But now I am cabind, cribbd, confind, bound in To saucy doubts and fears. (Act 3, scene IV)Macbeth is very frustrated that the killers did not kill Fleance as it has ruined his plan but he believes he can get around this hiccup. Once Macbeth has returned to the banquet he is asked to join the Lords. Lenox says to Macbeth here is a place reservd, sir. Macbeth asks him where? Lenox says here my good lord. What ist that moves your highness? Macbeth goes into a rage and starts to screamWhich of you have done this? (Act 3, scene IV)Macbeth sees Banquos ghost in his chair, now Macbe th is going insane. All of the guests start to worry about the king but lady Macbeth tells themSit sacred friends my lord is often thus, and hath been from his youth pray you keep seat the fit is momentary upon a thought He will again be well. (Act 3, scene IV)Lady Macbeth is trying to cover for Macbeth by saying that he is disturbed because of a childhood drama. Lady Macbeth does this out of panic so that none of the lords are worried about the king. This could also affect his respect and reputation with the lords as they may think he is delusional. Lady Macbeth covers for Macbeth very well. Lady Macbeth then asks the lords to leave, as Macbeth is very sick. Once the lords had left Macbeth tells lady Macbeth that he has a spy in every house. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to get some sleep as he is become mentally unstable. Macbeth is suffering from all of the killing that he has done and it is not only bear on him it is also affecting his marriage to which seems to be deteriorating as the play goes on.In Act 4 scene I Macbeth goes to visit the witches, which shows he firmly trusts the witches as he has gone to them which gives a sense that they hove power over him where as if he waited and let them come to him he would not have given the judgment that he was desperate. Macbeth is told 3 prophecies the first isMacbeth Macbeth Macbeth Beware Macduff Beware the Thanes of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough(Act 4, scene I)The first shade says this it is a warning to Macbeth simply telling him to beware of Macduff, as he is dangerous. Macduff was never happy about Macbeth becoming king as Macduff never at run awayed Macbeths crowning and he also suspected Macbeth of killing Duncan.The second prophecies isBe bloody, bold and resolute laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of women born shall deadening Macbeth (Act 4, scene I)This prophecy made Macbeth relax a little, as he didnt think that there was any one in the world that could not be of women born. Which made him fee l much more safer and almost invincible.The third prophecies isMacbeth shall never vanquishd be until great Birnam forest to high Dunsinane knoll shall come against him (Act 4, scene I)Macbeth was very happy with this prophecy as for him this meant he was invincible, as he believed that Burnam wood would never come to Dunsinane. He shows that he is very happy about his prophecies when he saysThat will never be Who can impress the forest, bid the tree Unfix his earth bound root? Sweet bodements practised (Act 4, scene I)Macbeth has decided to kill the Macduffs as Macduff has flied to England and Macbeth sees this as the perfect metre and way to kill them. If they are killed Macduff will be distort and will want to kill Macbeth but Macbeth thinks he is invincible. This is the perfect time as there is no one to protect his family.In Act 5 scene I Macbeth is getting ready for battle when he hears a women screaming he sends his servant to investigate. He returns and tells Macbeth tha t his wife is dead. Macbeth responds to this by sayingShe would have dies hereafter There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this pretty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle Lifes but a manner of walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more it is a humbug told by an idiot, gull of sound and furry, signifying nothing. (Act 5, scene V)This speech is said by Macbeth as he thinks sprightliness is not worth living for any more. He tries hard to make his life better but in the end he is going to die so what is the point. That is the kind of attitude he is taking. Macbeth is then told that Burnam Wood is moving to wards Dunsinane. Macbeth reacts very ill to this he calls the messenger aLiar and slave (Act 5, scene V)Macbeth cannot believe it, the wood is moving, he is in such anger as the prophecies are not holding up to their word. Macbeth has his armour put on so he is ready for battle.In the final scene Macbeth and Macduff have a battle, Macbeth is very full of himself until Macduff saysDespair thy charm and let the angel whom thou still hast servd tell thee, Macduff was from his mothers womb untimely rippd. (Act 5, scene VII)Macbeth is in shock he cannot believe it, all the prophecies have been untrue. Them Macbeth is killed bye Macduff and Macbeths head is stuck on a poll and paraded around. This was a way of showing the people that if they betray the king this is what will happen to them.The witches have influenced Macbeth, if they had not shown him the 3 prophecies then he would never have killed the king and he would still be a noble man. The witches were agents of evil so they were bound to tempt Macbeth. The witches simply showed Macbeth what he could be if he listened to them they did not force him they gave him the natural selec tion and Macbeth choose their way. The witches have no power so they simply temp and try to push Macbeth in the direction they want him to go. Their influence is fair great on Macbeth.Lady Macbeth is a very possessive case woman and has a great amount of ambition about her. When she read the letter from her husband in Act 1 scene V she was determined on making Macbeth the king. She wanted him so badly to become the king. She showed her determination in Act 1 scene VII when she said she wouldI have given suck, and know how tender tis to love the babe that milks me I would, while it was smiling up in my face, Have pluckd my nipple from his boneless gums, and dashd the brains out, had I so imprecate as you have to this. (Act 1, scene VII)She is so determined she would kill her own baby while she was aliment it, this shows that she is a very strong women. Lady Macbeth wants to become purely evil she shows this when she saysCome spirits that tend on mortal thoughts Unsex me here, and f ill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty make thick my blood. (Act 1, scene V)Lady Macbeth also saysTH effect and it Come to my womens breasts, and take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers, wherever in your sightless substancesLady Macbeth wants very thing that is feminine about her taken away from her so she can be purely evil.Lady Macbeth shows she isnt purely evil in Act 2 scene II when Macbeth asks her why she didnt kill Duncan she saysHad he not resembled my father as he slept, I had donet. (Act 2, scene II)As the play goes on lady Macbeth and Macbeths relationship starts to fall apart. At the commencement exercise of the play Macbeth tells his wife every thing as the play digresses they lose faith and trust in each other. They do not tell each other anything. Lady Macbeth was not told by Macbeth that he was planning to kill Banquo or the Macduffs he simply just didnt communicate with her anymore.I believe that Shakespeare has presented Macbeth as some one who you can feel sympathy for, as he seems to be pushed in to killing Duncan by Lady Macbeth. I think that he never had any intentions of killing Duncan it was because his wife drove him so that he could gain power. He was not as strong as he seems, his wife bullies him into killing Duncan but he is a hero on the battlefield. Also if he had not seen the witches then I do not think that he would have any thoughts of killing the king.