Macbeth And Metaphysics :: essays research papers

The Three witches in the tragedy Macbeth are introduced right at the beginning of theplay. They tell Macbeth three prophesies, he depart be Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamsand King. These prophesies introduce him to ideas of greatness. Macbeth will eventuallyfollow through on killing king Dun privy. This brings into the play, idea of fate and the rolewith which it has in the play. The witches could foretell the future, they can addtemptation, and influence Macbeth, but they can not control his destiny. Macbeth createshis own anguish when he is driven by his own sense of guilt. This causes him to become hazardous as to the reasons for his actions which in turn causes him to commit moremurders. The witches offer great temptation, but it is in the end, each individuals decisionto fall for the appeal, or to be stiff enough to resist their captivation. The witches areonly responsible for the introduction of these ideas and for further forming ideas inMacbeth head, but they are not respo nsible for his actions throughout the play. dameMacbeth is shown earlyish in the play as an ambitious woman with a single purpose. She canmanipulate Macbeth easily. This is shown in the line "That I may pour my strong drink in thineear". (I,V, 26) Before the speech that Lady Macbeth gives in act one scene five, Macbethis resolved not to go through with the killing of the king. However, Lady Macbeth saysthat it would be on his manliness and his bravery if he didnt. This then convinces Macbethto commit regicide. Although Macbeth has the final say in whether or not to go throughwith the initial killing, he loves his wife and wants to make her happy. She is thedominating individual in the relationship which is shown in her soliloquy, This have Ithought good to deliver thee, my dearest ally of greatness, that thou mightst not losedues by rejoicing by being ignorant of what greatness is promised the. Lay it to thy heart,and Farewell.(I, V, 7-10) Once Macbeth kills for the firs t time, he has no excerption but tocontinue to cover up his wrong doings, or risk loosing everything he has worked so hardfor. In the end, it all comes to Macbeth himself. Everyone is responsible for his owndestiny. This is an inherent theme in this tragedy. Macbeth, chooses to gamble with hissoul and when he does this, it is only him who chooses to lose it.