Friday, March 25, 2011

Illustrate from the play Macbeth, Macbeth's openess, ambition and strong emotions

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the only person in the play Macbeth is open with is Lady Macbeth, but he is extremely open with her until after their plan works and after the revelation to Lady Macbeth that her husband has killed the grooms. 


Macbeth is not afraid to tell her anything.  Upon his return from killing Duncan, he tells her he was unable to join in on an overheard prayer by saying "Amen," he tells her he heard voices,  he tells her he can't handle the blood on his hands.  In short, he is not afraid to show weakness and shortcomings in front of her.


He is also open with Lady Macbeth during their first scene together after he is named Thane of Cawdor and predicted to be king.  They're both aware that Duncan is on his way to their castle to spend the night, and they both know what that means--an opportunity to assassinate him and claim the throne.  They are affectionate and endearing.


Of course, any openness ends soon after the successful assassination.  Macbeth does not consult her before ordering the deaths of Banquo, Fleance, and Macduff's family.  At one point he excuses her from his presence so he can be alone.  We barely see Lady Macbeth for most of the play, and when we do she is either berating Macbeth for being stupid, or suffering from her own guilt. 


The relationship that was once open, is closed for most of the play.

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