Peifer 4
English 10 IB
4 March 2009
Macbeth LRJ #6
In Macbeth, Shakespeare poses many profound questions for the reader: How does knowledge of the future affect ones choices? What justifies murder? What defines a person as good or evil? What drives a person to commit such atrocities as Macbeth? Can such horrors be forgiven?
Shakespeare leaves much up to the reader's interpretations, but does offer up some hints about him own thoughts on these questions. Throughout the play, we see Macbeth becoming increasingly obsessed with the prophecies of the witches. Toward the end of his life, he trusts in them completely, never pausing to think that they could be telling him that he was in danger: "Though Birnham wood be come to Dunsinane,/ And thou opposed, being of no woman born,/ Yet I will try the last" (5.8.35-37). As the play goes on, Macbeth murders more and more people to ensure his power is safe. Why are these murders inexcusable, while the killing of Macbeth is celebrated? When the play ends, it is apparent that Macbeth has crossed to the "evil" side, which makes it admirable for Macduff to kill him. Shakespeare suggests that Macbeth was driven by ambition, knowledge, and encouragement from his wife.
Shakespeare leaves much up to the reader's interpretations, but does offer up some hints about him own thoughts on these questions. Throughout the play, we see Macbeth becoming increasingly obsessed with the prophecies of the witches. Toward the end of his life, he trusts in them completely, never pausing to think that they could be telling him that he was in danger: "Though Birnham wood be come to Dunsinane,/ And thou opposed, being of no woman born,/ Yet I will try the last" (5.8.35-37). As the play goes on, Macbeth murders more and more people to ensure his power is safe. Why are these murders inexcusable, while the killing of Macbeth is celebrated? When the play ends, it is apparent that Macbeth has crossed to the "evil" side, which makes it admirable for Macduff to kill him. Shakespeare suggests that Macbeth was driven by ambition, knowledge, and encouragement from his wife.
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