Ambition, Deception, and Power in Shakespeare's Macbeth

Shakespeare's tragic play Macbeth, written in the seventeenth century, delves into the themes of blind ambition, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the corrupting influence of power. The narrative centers around the descent of Macbeth, a once-noble figure, into a treacherous path of tyranny and moral degradation. This essay explores the multifaceted factors that contribute to Macbeth's downfall, emphasizing how external forces manipulate his choices. The witches' prophecies, Lady Macbeth's manipulation, and Macbeth's own dark desires all play pivotal roles in shaping his tragic trajectory.

The Witches' Intrusion and Manipulation

At the outset of the play, the three witches introduce a malevolent element that will profoundly impact Macbeth's decisions. These witches, with their ominous prophecies, act as catalysts for the ensuing tragedy. They greet Macbeth with titles that tantalize his ambition, planting the seeds of blind ambition in his psyche. The witches declare, "All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter" (1.ii.53), a prophecy that stirs a craving for power within Macbeth.

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As Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches on their journey, the prophecies begin to take root in Macbeth's mind. His subsequent elevation to the Thane of Cawdor, as foretold by the witches, further fuels his ambitious desires. The witches' predictions act as a deceptive lure, establishing a sense of trust between Macbeth and the supernatural forces that manipulate his destiny. It is important to note that while the witches influence Macbeth's aspirations, they do not force him to act; rather, they exploit his weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

However, as Macbeth ascends to the throne and becomes king, the burden of maintaining his newfound power becomes increasingly oppressive.

He becomes plagued by guilt and insecurity, exacerbated by the witches' additional prophecy that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne. Fearing the loss of his crown, Macbeth decides to eliminate Banquo and his son Fleance. In this pursuit, he hires murderers to commit the heinous act, demonstrating the extent of his moral descent.

Later, Macbeth receives news about Banquo’s death and Fleance’s escape is relief however, it is short lived when Macbeth starts to see the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth is horrified and scared which leads him to the decision of visiting the three witches for answers. Macbeth is feeling insecure and fears Fleance returning and taking the throne away from him. There in a cave, the witches call upon their masters, the three apparitions to answer Macbeth’s request for information. The first apparition, an armed head, informs Macbeth to beware of Macduff.

The second apparition, a bloody child, advises Macbeth to be secure and not worry, because any man born from a woman can not hurt Macbeth. Macbeth laughs at this apparition’s prediction because every man is born from a woman and the second apparition’s prediction gives him more confidence and arrogance. Last of all, the final apparition, a crowned child with a tree in its hand, tells Macbeth to be proud and not fearful because he cannot be vanquished “until/ Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill/ Shall come against him” (4.i.106-107).

Macbeth is delighted to hear this prediction from the third apparition because he knows trees cannot move and this information gives Macbeth the confidence he was seeking for in order to feel secure about his position and his throne cannot be taken away. He feels as if no one can harm him. Although the apparitions are correct, the witches have twisted the truth for Macbeth to feel invincible and confident on the decisions he is making to cause him harm in the near future.

Lady Macbeth's Manipulation and Deception

Lady Macbeth plays a pivotal role in further altering Macbeth's choices through her blind ambition and false appearances. Upon reading Macbeth's letter detailing the witches' prophecies, she immediately recognizes the need to seize power. She perceives Macbeth's innate goodness, acknowledging that he is "too full o' th' milk of human kindness" (1.v.17) to pursue power ruthlessly. Consequently, she takes it upon herself to manipulate him into committing regicide.

Later, during a celebratory dinner, Lady Macbeth convinces a hesitant Macbeth to execute King Duncan. At first, Macbeth is hesitant because he thinks he is double-crossing trust with the king, he is his kinsman, and tonight Duncan is his guest. Moreover, Duncan has done no wrong to deserve death. Macbeth confesses to Lady Macbeth he cannot murder Duncan; however, Lady Macbeth says, "Art thou afeard/…Wouldst thou have that/ Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life/And live a coward in thine own esteem" (1.vii.43-47). Lady Macbeth is challenging his manhood by calling him a coward.

She is manipulating Macbeth by playing with his insecurities and leaving him confused and in a vulnerable state. Lady Macbeth takes advantage of the moment and convinces Macbeth to murder Duncan to prove he is a man and worthy of his manhood. As the dinner goes on, Lady Macbeth keeps up a perfect façade of an innocent, gentle host dressed in a white gown. However, she is deceiving everybody because as the guards drink and party the night away, she laces their drinks to knock them out. Therefore, later, the blame of Duncan’s murder can be put on their heads. After midnight, Macbeth murders Duncan and he is mortified and paranoid.

Macbeth is disgusted at himself; however, Lady Macbeth convinces him “My hands are of your color, but I shame/ To wear a heart so white/… A little water clears us of this deed” (2.ii.83-87). She manipulates Macbeth into thinking the murder of Duncan is just a step to complete his desires. She completes the murder and helps Macbeth wash his hands as well as hers. She reassures him they will not be caught because she cleverly drugged and placed the bloody daggers in the guards' hands. Additionally, she explains their cover story as being asleep while this dreadful deed took place.

Macbeth's Dark Desires and Transformation

Macbeth's own desires undergo a transformation throughout the play, leading him from a noble soldier to a tyrant and corrupt king. Initially, he is celebrated for his valor in battle and praised by King Duncan. However, as the witches' prophecies take hold, Macbeth's aspirations shift from virtuous to malevolent. He becomes jealous of Malcolm, Duncan's heir, and begins to harbor thoughts of usurping the throne.

Macbeth's first murderous act, the killing of King Duncan, marks a significant turning point. He is driven by his dark desires and the manipulation of the witches and Lady Macbeth. This act of regicide haunts Macbeth and sets him on a treacherous path. Subsequently, he orders the slaughter of innocent lives at Macduff's castle, a decision fueled by paranoia and a desperate desire to cling to power.

Macbeth's descent into tyranny becomes increasingly pronounced as the play unfolds. He becomes a tyrant who seeks to maintain his rule at any cost, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives. His actions reflect the corrupting influence of power and the extent to which he is willing to go to secure his position as king. Macbeth's transformation from a noble figure into a remorseless murderer illustrates the profound impact of his dark desires on his decisions.

Furthermore, Macbeth's determination to eliminate potential threats to his throne intensifies his descent into tyranny. Upon learning of the witches' prophecy regarding Macduff, he orders the massacre of Macduff's innocent family, erroneously believing this will secure his reign. This ruthless act underscores the extent to which Macbeth is willing to wield his power, regardless of the morality or consequences.

Moreover, as Macbeth spirals further into madness and paranoia, his actions become increasingly erratic. He becomes consumed by a sense of invincibility, driven by the witches' prophecies that seem to assure his safety. However, this false sense of security ultimately leads to his downfall, as Birnam Wood does indeed march on Dunsinane Hill, fulfilling the witches' final prophecy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tragedy of Macbeth is a testament to the intricate interplay of blind ambition, deception, and the corrupting influence of power. While Macbeth is responsible for the heinous crimes he commits, it is essential to recognize the external forces that manipulate his decisions. The witches' prophecies, Lady Macbeth's manipulation, and Macbeth's own dark desires all contribute to his tragic downfall.

Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and the deceptive nature of appearances. Macbeth's journey from a noble soldier to a tyrant and corrupt king underscores the profound transformation brought about by these external forces.

Ultimately, Macbeth's story serves as a timeless reminder of the complexity of human nature and the enduring allure of power. It is a tragic exploration of the human capacity for both greatness and moral degradation, a testament to Shakespeare's enduring insight into the human psyche.