Macbeth knowledge Flashcards
what is macbeths ambition and how does it affect him
Ambition
-its his fatal flaw - his desire for power and will seek it, regardless of the moral consequences, e.g., killing Banquo, Macduff’s family and Duncan.
-Macbeth gives into temptation as a result of Lady M and the Witches. Through witches’ use of equivocations (provoking language) and Lady M drives him as a result of her own personable ambition.
-however even straight after the witches talk of him being king it is Macbeth who suggests murder reflecting how it is his ambition that drives his evil not the witches’ influence – reflecting the message that even if there are fears of the supernatural man’s ambition and violence is the true evil
-CHAIN OF BEING and killing Duncan shows ambition is a sin that goes against God’s will.
how is macbeths a tyranicl king and how does that affect him
Tyrannical king
-Macbeth exploits his power as king to cause destruction and increase his own power, metamorphosing into a ruthless and barbaric tyrant who murders any opposition.
- Through Shakespeare’s portrayal, the Jacobian audience views Macbeth as exploiting his power due to the widely followed belief about the ‘GREAT CHAIN OF BEING’, which conveyed the idea that God was at the top of society, followed by the King. Therefore, altering your place in society, was a direct offence against God and therefore punishable by death, such as Macbeth murdering Duncan to take the throne.
-This idea is mirrored in Act 3 Scene 6 when Lennox compares Macbeth to ‘the most pious Edward with such grace’, exemplifying how many viewed Macbeth as sinful and exploiting his power.
-With the unexpected ascension of James I QUALITIES OF A KING were greatly debated in the Jacobian era- , Macbeth’s insecurities of his power as King is demonstrated after the murder of Banquo ‘there the grown serpent lies; the worm that’s fled hath nature that in time will venom breed’ - fearful of Fleance’s power will grow in the future. This draws parallels to the theme of temptation and the fall of Adam and Eve exemplifying how he is fearful that Fleance will deceive him like snakes do.
-trapped in a cycle of violence once he murders once he feels he has to continue ‘blood will have blood’
how does masculinity afect macbeth
Masculinity
- Macbeth fears becoming exposed as unmasculine.
- Described as a brave, powerful solider initially and his ideas of valour, power and violence become synonymous with masculinity.
-Macbeth is additionally constantly manipulated and emasculated by Lady M. Any challenge of his manhood is enough to convince Macbeth of any crime. – she has power over him and is able to persuade him into things he’s not entirely sure of
-Macbeth reclaims control over lady Macbeth as his violence grows which to the audience could be seen as him taking back control of the relationship and his masculinity
how does guilt affect macbeth and lady macbeth throught the play
Guilt
-after the murders makes him a nihilistic figure and a character tormented by his own conscience. – it drives him to madness and torments his mind constantly
- his guilt leads to further violence of killing the guards – he did this without thinking made him look more guilty – out of control
-symbolised by blood and hallucination
-his one true fear is his guilt – leads him down an evil sinful route and causes insecurity to the throne – other nobles are suspicious
-Macbeth’s ambition propels him into unescapable regret suggesting the real punishment for regicide is guilt.
- overcomes his final guilt and turns into a morally evil character with no conscience – direct contrast to LM who is overcome with guilt and dies MENTAL HEALTH
how does guilt affect lady macbet
