Macbeth †How Shakespeare presents the characters in Act 3 Scene 1 Essay

How do their terminology thoughts and actions micturate the motion-picture show such a dramatic and important scene in the foregather?In the majority of Shakespeargons compositions, Act 3 usually consists, in terms of context, the most important scenes in the play. Macbeth is no different Act 3 and in set popicular Act 3 Scene 1 is the point in the play where issues are quick building to a dramatic and tragic climax. In the previous scenes the reference witnessed the violent black lotion of the much loved poove Duncan by Macbeth followed by the (said / menti wizd) tallyers inevitable election as tabby.In a historical context, the general public at the sentence of the productions release would have understood the significance and graveness of Macbeths actions more than(prenominal) so than modern day auditions. Regicide was not only seen as an dark act against tabby and country tho also against God. The Divine discipline of Kings was widely confided which state d e truly monarch is selected by God and has sole right to the throne (usurper). More notably, genuine threats such as the Gunpowder Plot against the ruler at the metre, King pack I, made the remove of King Duncan not only more presumptive but something sense of hearings could really relate to.Act 3 Scene 1 commences with a condemning soliloquy by Banquo. He shares with the audience his fuddled accusations regarding the manner in which Macbeth has become King Speaking dangerously of magic trick and trea boy, Thou playedst most foully fort, Shakespeare cleverly aligns Banquo with the audience and in doing so emphasizes the shocking nature of King Duncans murder. In the soliloquy there is also a reference to the witches predictions for Banquos descendants, myself should be the root and father of many kings. This line would have been of great interest to King James I as it suggests he is a descendant of Banquo. Some critics argue that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to flatter the new king. The direct relation amidst Banquo and King James is hinted a few times during the play. Add this to the fact Shakespeare altered Holinsheds version of events that were written years primarily indeed you could be mistaken for agreeing with the critics. Shakespeare made Macbeth solely responsible for Duncans murder when actually Banquo was an accomplice to the murder.Proud to be in their new role, Macbeth and brothel keeper Macbeth greet Banquo precise majestically, heres our chief guest. Shrewdly, they attempt to stain Banquo feel important and well appreciated, If he had been forgotten, it had been a big facing pages in our great feast. However this was all a big act, as the audience was about to find out. I imagine in this part of the scene Lady Macbeths introduction would have been very voluptuous and regal as if she loved her new role. After all, she had finally achieved what she and her hubby had al panaches dreamt of, My dearest partner of greatness.Shakes peare makes it undefendable that Macbeth is now king by altering slightly the way in which Macbeth behaves and addresses another(prenominal)s. He exposes a kinder, more inviting aspect to his personality by hosting a feast, Tonight we hold a great feast and Ill request your presence. The verb request is significant because it implies the invitational is optional, however I dont believe anyone would turn raft an offer from the King as there may be serious consequences.Macbeth continues to take great interest in Macbeths proposed journey which causes the audience to funny that Banquo might be in danger. Arguably for the very first time in the play, we witness the devious and crafty personality of Macbeth. Shakespeare uses a junto of irony and flattery in his writing to hide the fact Macbeth is actually intensively interrogating Banquo, fail not our feast and Ride you this laternoon are two examples of this. The quote fail not our feast is ironic because the audience have been discretely made certified that Macbeth intends to have Banquo murdered whilst he is out riding and will therefore not return for the feast.After dismissing Banquo, Macbeth makes a rather bold and surprising decision to do the same with his wife, bank supper time alone, while then God be with you. I believe this to be the point in the play where the tide turns. Up until now, it has been Macbeth who has relied heavy on his wife. He consulted everything with her.However, now that he finally has the crown upon his head, I presuppose he feels that she has nothing left to offer. Personally this is pure ignorance on Macbeths part and sense this might be a accelerator pedal for his downfall -Macbeths hamartia. A hamartia is basically an error in judgement, a cause of a tragic heros (in this eccentric person Macbeth) misfortune. Lady Macbeth aids his downfall, as she has pushed him to become so ambitious and supreme that he feels he will be more successful without her. However, Macbet h has other hamartias which are explored further on.If I was directing this scene, I would strive to sustain the key point across. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have just been crowned king and Queen of their beloved nation. The honeymoon period has just begun and they both dead adore their new roles, Thou hast it now King, Cawdor, Glamis, all. Therefore, I would endeavour to make sure this comes across to the audience by ensuring the actors were dressed accordingly majestic robes and jewellery etc. Also, the actors should portray a relieved and joyful persona to illustrate the fact that Macbeth and his wifes efforts have finally been rewarded.During Macbeths soliloquy in Act 3 Scene 1, Shakespeare reveals the characters true colours. Macbeth explains that despite Banquo being his best friend, he understands that Banquo must be murdered in order for him to remain in power to be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus. This extract would confirm the audiences earlier thoughts and feeling s about Macbeths intentions with Banquo. It also proves that the compassion and sincerity he showed towards Banquo in their last conversation was just an act. Shakespeare compares Macbeths feelings about Banquo to an actual event in the past, as it is said tar pull out Antonys was by Caesar. Macbeth acknowledges Banquos integrity but cannot help feeling that perhaps he is the Achilles frump to making him last upon the throne. Just as in Ancient Rome, Mark Antony was said to be in fear of Octavius Caesar.Throughout the soliloquy you get the sense that Macbeth has constant mood swings. His feelings vary rapidly, from fear of Banquo at the line of descent our fears in Banquo stick deep. to pure hatred of Banquo at the end, No son of mine succeeding, for Banquos issue have I filed my mind. His change in character is particularly noticeable when compared to Act 2 Scene 1. During this soliloquy, Macbeth has weensy conviction when contemplating the murder of Duncan whereas now he speak s confidently with passion and conviction. Which is floor seen as he is about to have his closest companion murdered.As the murderers appear on stage, the audience are immediately made aware that Macbeth has already spoken with them Was it not yesterday we spoke together. This extract implies that Macbeth had been supplying to kill Banquo for a while. This is arguably the first time we see a ruthless side of Macbeth. It proves to the audience that this murder is not just a spur of the moment thing. Shakespeare includes a range of techniques when Macbeth is trying to stockpile the henchmen to murder Banquo.Firstly, Macbeth tries to justify the murder by using reverse psychology on the two men, Know that it is he who held you so under fortune. Here Macbeth is patently testing the murderers character and resolve. He needs to know how willing they are, fortuitously for Macbeth they are prepared to do anything in the needs of king and country, I would set my life on any chance. Seco ndly, Macbeth questions their courage, to which the murderers respond assertively We are men.One thing I cannot comprehend is why Macbeth is even bothering to persuade them. Surely Macbeth has the right to order anyone about never mind two members of the lower class society. After all he is the King. However, I think this represents a key aspect of Macbeths personality. I think persuading the murderers is his way of persuading him he is doing the right thing. By persuading them, he is at the same time convincing himself that the deed is righteous. This would suggest that Macbeth is not pure horror but instead someone who loves power and is prepared to do anything to remain powerful.Macbeth changes dramatically as a character throughout the play. Initially, Macbeth was tortured with remorse after Duncans murder but upon hearing of Banquos successful assassination he is elated. His vaulting aspiration was driving him to desperate measures and he was uneffective to impede it. Macbeth had already risked his life to obtain the throne so he had no choice but to employ Machiavellian customs to save it. Macbeths vision of Banquo ghost at a olympian gap only steers him closer to insanity. The appearance of Banquos ghost at the royal banquet horrifies Macbeth. Shakespeare brilliantly uses irony to make Banquos emergence very dramatic, Sweet RemembrancerUpon hearing the witches prophecies, Macbeth is unleashed down a spiral of swift impairment that causes him to become blinded by desire. It is clear that Macbeths objective was goaded by the prophecies made by the trio witches hail to thee Thane of Cawdor that shalt be king hereafter. He was willing to do or pay anything to ensure that they actually occur. At first Macbeth is appalled at the witches proposal of killing Duncan, his King and fellow countryman, but last he surrenders to both Lady Macbeth and the evil forces. Lady Macbeth and the witches overwhelm his morals setting off a register of events resulting in Macbeths downfall and second hamartia.The presence of fey forces in Shakespeares Macbeth, provides much of the plays dramatic tension and mounting suspense. Several supernatural hallucinations throughout the play profoundly affect Macbeth culminating with the evil forces overpowering Macbeth and his morals. For example, the prophecies of the three witches and the appearance of Banquos ghost. These two points in the play would have been very significant for the audience at the time.Witches were associated with using uncompromising potions, flying, becoming out of sight at will and using disguises for the evil spirits in underwrite of them. In Shakespeares time, a large proportion of people believed in witches. Hundreds of thousands of women were accused of employing the mentioned familiars to cause misfortunes and disasters. As a result, many were either penalise or tortured. Even King James I was personally shake up of witches, passing a law that condemned anyone connected with witchcraft. In hindsight, it is now clear that witches were just innocent people used as scapegoats for mistakes made by others.Macbeth is a prime example of Shakespeares use of the tragic pattern. The play begins with the rise and fall of a man of high estate. This is followed by a damage in character, Duncans trust in Macbeth for example, a piece on whom I built absolute trust. Then murder, exile and alienation of enemies and allies King Duncans Murder, the Princes flee, murder of Banquo and dismissal of Lady Macbeth. exclusively leading to the gradual isolation of the tragic hero, tragic recognition of the flaw by the tragic hero and now a wood comes toward Dunsinane and eventually the death of the tragic hero. Macbeth is slain by Macduff. Tragic patterns similar to this one are used in every one of Shakespeares renowned tragedies.