macbeth
by chloe kimbrell
Who's to Blame?
Macbeth was the most loved warrior, he protected King Duncan with all his heart. So who's to blame? Macbeth, despite the influences of the Witch and Lady Macbeth, is and should be responsible for his own downfall. For one, he came up with the plan to kill King Duncan. When the witches vanish after giving him the prophecy he says, "Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind," (1.1.133-135). He also claims, "If chance will have me KIng, why, chance may crown me... come what come may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day" (1.1.165-172). Macbeth was desperate to make his part of the prophecy come true, his thoughts turned to murder. He instantly decided murder was the only way to fulfill his goal. Macbeth also allowed Lady Macbeth to manipulate him by accusing him of not being a "man" and says, "I have given suck, and know how tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had i sworn as you have done to this," (1.7.62-65). Macbeth being as strong, mentally and physically, as his is should've ended the murder plan there. Instead of listening to his conscience, he suppresses his guilt and continues his ambition. Even his mind, intoxicated by the thoughts of murder, directs him to the kings room, "Is this a dagger which i see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee!" (2.1.42-44). Macbeth sees a dagger hanging in midair before him and questions whether it is real or the illusion of a disturbed mind. The dagger leads him to Duncan's room, which prompts him to draw his own dagger. Macbeth is greatly influenced by the witches and Lady Macbeth. However, he is ultimately responsible for his own actions. He denies to listen to his own conscience and let's the witches and Lady Macbeth manipulate him.
Imagery
"The raven himself is hoarse, the croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan" (1.5.44-45). The image of the raven is a sign of death. Ravens feed off of dead corpses, showing the death of Duncan. Both of the words 'hoarse' and 'croaks' are unpleasant names which fits the unsettling creature such as the Raven.
Simile
"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" (1.5.75-77). This is a simile because Lady Macbeth is comparing Macbeth to a serpent, saying to act kind in front of Duncan, before murdering him.
Irony
"He that's coming, must be provided for" (1.5.77-78). Lady Macbeth is referring to her duties as a hostess whenever that night is the date to murder Duncan, what a great hostess. The irony of this is Macbeth and Lady Macbeth think they will achieve great happiness from killing Duncan when they actually lose all happiness.