The Hunted Scotsman
All news on M******'s Downfall
But What's to Blame?
The thing to blame the Scotsman's downfall on is his lust for power. Even at the beginning of the play when everyone thinks he is noble and all his doings are just. The idea of power is planted into his head and he turns to murder to get it. The witches come to him with a prophecy saying that he will become thane of Cawdor, and then King. In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth", Macbeth says to himself, "My thoughts, who's murder is yet fantastical..." (1.3.160). The witch's prophecy had halfway come true, he was a new Thane. But there was the other half to deal with. Immediately Macbeth thinks of committing treason against the King; by murdering him for the crown. Personally I believe that Macbeth was a lost cause from right there, but; much to my surprise, it got even worse. Macbeth actually followed through with murdering the King thinking that no one would figure it out, but someone did. Macbeth's best friend, Banquo, found out and fled, but in his crazed state Macbeth found out and ordered Banquo's death. Later in Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth", he wrote, "... O' treachery! Fly Fleance..." (3.2.26). Macbeth Becomes so obsessed with his power, and that he might lose it? No. He must kill his best friend so that he can remain in power for just a little while longer. Killing your best friend is one thing, but he doesn't even do it himself. He sends Murderers to do it for him. But as said previously, much to my surprise, Macbeth's lust for power becomes even stronger, it drives him mad. Macbeth becomes so insane that murder becomes an everyday thing for him. The Witches come with another prophecy,saying that he can be defeated, but only by one who is not mother born. Macbeth thinks this isn't possible so he fights just about everyone, killing them all until he finds the one he thought not possible. Even when he knows his defeat Macbeth still fights, never surrendering because he thinks he can't be defeated... ever! In Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth" he wrote, "Why should I play the Roman fool and die on mine own sword?" (5.8.1). Macbeth was once a smart man. And he still was by the end. But his lust for power took over his mind, it made him think he can never be defeated. He felt as though he was unstoppable because of it. And that's what killed Macbeth.
Comic Relief
Just before Duncan´s murder in Macbeth´s castle, a drunk Porter came to the castle and in his drunken state has a few funny words to say at a very serious time. In
Shakespeare´s play, ¨Macbeth¨, he wrote, ¨Marry, sir, sleep, and urine¨ (2.3.27). The Porter was talking about how one´s performance is affected when drunk.
Tragic Hero
Macbeth is a noble man who was respected by many. But Macbeth had one thing in his way...power. Macbeth's lust for power became too strong, it drove him mad. His lust for power took over his mind, it made him think he could never be defeated. Until he was. In Shakespeare´s play, ¨Macbeth¨, he wrote, ¨Behold where stands The
usurper´s cursed head¨ (5.8.64).
Aside
In many cases throughout the play "Macbeth" Macbeth steps away from the other characters to have a private conversation with himself or another character. For instance, at one point as the witches are telling the prophecy, and Macbeth and Banquo are confused. Then Ross and Angus enter and act out the first part of the prophecy, amazed the two talk aside to discuss what could happen. In Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth" he wrote, "... Do you not hope your children shall be kings?" (1.3.136). Another part of the prophecy was that Banquo's children will one day become kings.
Art Work
This is a portrait of King Edward IV (The artist is unknown to the world).
This painting may not seem like it compares to Macbeth at all, but this is a Portrait of King Edward IV (below). Say hey, to the real life Macbeth. This man was a rather jealous man just like Macbeth. Let me drop a little history on you. This man was jealous of the king at the time (Like Macbeth), Henry VI. So clearly the only real options nowadays are murder and treason. So Edward decides to kill King Richard VI while he is in prison and defenseless turning him into King Edward IV. Similarly to Macbeth Edward cheated his way to the top by murdering the King out of lust for power. In Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth" he wrote, "I have done the deed" (2.2.19). Referring to Macbeth murdering King Duncan in his sleep when he was defenseless, just like King Edward IV.
Novel Connection: "The False Prince" by: Jennifer A. Neilsen
"The False Prince" is a book about a boy who is running away from the throne posing as an orphan. Eventually he gets caught by a power hungry monster that manipulates the Prince to do his bidding. The Prince will still be the King but the the power hungry man will have all the power. But to the connection part. The man convinces the Prince to accept the throne, just like Lady Macbeth convinced Macbeth to kill King Duncan so the family would gain the throne and she still had a lot of power over him afterwords. In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" he wrote, "But screw your courage to the sticking place..." (1.7.70).