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Evolution Of Macbeth's Own Fate

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The Evolution of Macbeth’s Own Fate Everyone knows from history class that the Renaissance was a temperate and jovial time period yet it still sparked the Reformation, a time period of chaos, turmoil, and malice. Like the evolution from the Renaissance to the Reformation, Macbeth, the main character, appears to us as a loyal husband and subject but then alters into a avaricious king with questionable morals. Macbeth’s character experiences a major shift which impacts his ultimate fate. At first, Macbeth is originally a devoted person. Macbeth’s affectionate behavior is revealed when he addresses his wife in a missive as, “..my dearest partner of greatness…” (Act I, Scene V, 11) Macbeth adores and treats his wife very respectfully but …show more content…

Before the murder of king Duncan, he explains the situation as follows, “Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible to feeling as to sight? Or art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation, proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?” (Act II, Scene I, 20) Macbeth undergoes haunting and dire thoughts of killing Duncan. He mentions after murdering the king, “Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep…” (Act II, Scene II, 22) Macbeth begins to embark upon a path of absolute lunacy. To secure his throne, Macbeth sets out to vanquish the lives of Banquo and his sons. He states, “...better to be with the dead whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace.” (Act II, Scene II, 38) By killing Banquo and his sons, Macbeth thinks he will bring them peace. However, Macbeth is really seeking his own true piece of mind not the peace of Banquo. Macbeth’s ultimate insanity demonstrates itself during the dinner with Lady Macbeth, the lords and Lennox. After Macbeth kills Banquo, the ghost of Banquo appears in his banquet seat, terrorizing him. Lady Macbeth responds, “I pray you, speak not; he grows worse and worse; question enrages him: at once, good night…” (Act III, Scene IV, 45) Lady Macbeth requests the guests to leave because the visitors view him as a mad man. Overall, the lunatic side of Macbeth starts to completely …show more content…

Macbeth’s view of Macduff is clearly stated as follows, “...His wife. his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.” (Act IV, Scene II, 56) Macbeth indicates that he will do anything to secure the throne including killing Macduff and his family. Macbeth states, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player...signifying nothing.” (Act V, Scene V, 77) Macbeth concludes that life is worth nothing in the end, and he has nothing to lose. The suicide of Lady Macbeth kills his desire to live making him a hard and intensive person with no emotion. When Macduff and Macbeth meet each other for the final scene, Macduff reveals, “... tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripp’d.” (Act V, Scene VIII, 80) Macduff’s birth was actually a cesarean section, an option which Macbeth does not consider when he hears the witches’ prophecy, “...the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” (Act IV, Scene I, 54) Due to this misinterpretation, Macbeth would rest in peace

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