Macbeth Analysis
By:John Wiseman
Who is Responsible?
The Weird sisters are the characters, which, most logically are to blame for Macbeth's actions in the story. These three characters, with little to no actual character, are the catalyst for everything that occurs in the book. Now, it can be said that the true culprit was Lady Macbeth; however, she was only willing to go through with it when she had seen that,"fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crowned withal"(Shakespear 33).Metaphysical aid of course, being the witches. One could argue that the witches merely prophesied the future and it was Macbeth's fault for following through with the killing. This would be missing the withes true intent as stated by Hecate,"how did you dare to traffic with Macbeth in riddles and affairs with death"(Shakespear 109). This quote reveals that the Witches' end goal was death, so they hold more responsibility. Lastly, they are the single strongest reason why Banquo is murdered. As said in their prophecy ,"thou shalt get kings, though thou be none"(Shakespear 19). This little bit of prediction is the only reason why Banquo is killed, without this , Macbeth has no reason to go after Banquo, but because he fears Banquo's children he goes after him.
Connection of Stygnian Witches to guilt of the Weird Sisters in Macbeth
This piece pictures three witches practicing their dark arts, which links back to Macbeth via the fact that had the witches never given their prophecy, none of the deeds Macbeth goes through with in the book would have occured. The witches state in their speech at the begining,"All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter"(Shakespear 19). Without this, Macbeth does not go on to kill the king or any of his rivals. Now, theoretically, Macbeth should not have accepted the Weird Sisters' speech as truth, but in that time period, witches and the supernatural were considered reliable information, so his decision makes sense in the context.
Literal Devices in Macbeth
The first literal device is comic relief delivered by the drunken porter,"makes him stand to, and not stand to"(Shakespeare 61). This scene comes directly after Duncan's murder as to lighten the mood after a particularly dark and dramatic scene. Picture A is the porter depicted as a suave businessman rather than a dirty peasant. The second example is the fact that Banquo is a perfect foil to Macbeth. In the witches' first speech on of them states,"Lesser than Macbeth,but greater"(Shakespeare 19). This reveals that relationship between Macbeth and Banquo is one of equal opposites. Picture B is one of Macbeth and Banquo standing together in sharp contrast. The third example is the foreshadowing in the witches' speech,"all hail,Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter"(Shakespeare 19). This event occurs in the play and is one of the main plotlines. Picture B shows Macbeth an Banquo hearing the witches' prophecy.
a
B
C
Guilt of the witches connected to Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix
The novel and Macbeth are connected in one strong way, a prophecy. The witches' main prophecy is ,"all hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter"(Shakespeare 19). A prediction that drives the rest of the play as well as most of Macbeth's character. Similarly, Harry's entire life revolves around his prophecy, as well as the plot of the Order of the Phoenix.