Macbeth English Ib-Hl Essay
ENGLISH HL
SHAKESPEARE- MACBETH ESSAY
It is human nature to be intrigued by all things mystical and dangerous. We fear the unknown but seek it nonetheless out of greed. Most of Shakespeare’s works hold an element of the supernatural and the play Macbeth is no exception. In this play we see a contemporary morality that warns of the dangers of trafficking with instruments of darkness; the witches in the play prophesize of Macbeths future as king, and Macbeth blinded by his hunger for power fails to recognize that the witches prophecies are luring him to evil . In act 1 scène 3 we see the effect that the excitement of the prophecies has had on his imagination as he begins to contemplate murdering the king. As Macbeth gets closer to kingship his imagination grows wild and evil. This essay will aim to describe how internal conflict, imagery and themes are used in establishing Macbeth’s confused, guilty and eventually confident state of mind as he made his way to Duncan’s chamber.
Macbeth suffers from internal conflict as he battles with his guilt and ambitions to be king. The internal conflict of Man verses himself is seen in Macbeths aside in act 1 scene 3. This aside holds many powerful statements by Macbeth about his sense of confusion and torn state of mind. For example “the supernatural soliciting (temptation) cannot be ill- cannot be good...if good, why do I yield to that suggestion” is an antithesis that gives the audience further insight into Macbeth’s way of reason. When broken down, this antithesis show that Macbeth knew something terrible was going to happened (“cannot be good”) but Macbeth, energized by the prophecies and possibility that he will be king (“cannot be ill”) knows he lacks the strength to overcome his desires. Macbeth is deeply agonized at the thought of killing the king who he has gained honor, respect and a good reputation from. He takes pride in his honor and fears ruining it. But the chance of being kings is too great of an opportunity
SHAKESPEARE- MACBETH ESSAY
It is human nature to be intrigued by all things mystical and dangerous. We fear the unknown but seek it nonetheless out of greed. Most of Shakespeare’s works hold an element of the supernatural and the play Macbeth is no exception. In this play we see a contemporary morality that warns of the dangers of trafficking with instruments of darkness; the witches in the play prophesize of Macbeths future as king, and Macbeth blinded by his hunger for power fails to recognize that the witches prophecies are luring him to evil . In act 1 scène 3 we see the effect that the excitement of the prophecies has had on his imagination as he begins to contemplate murdering the king. As Macbeth gets closer to kingship his imagination grows wild and evil. This essay will aim to describe how internal conflict, imagery and themes are used in establishing Macbeth’s confused, guilty and eventually confident state of mind as he made his way to Duncan’s chamber.
Macbeth suffers from internal conflict as he battles with his guilt and ambitions to be king. The internal conflict of Man verses himself is seen in Macbeths aside in act 1 scene 3. This aside holds many powerful statements by Macbeth about his sense of confusion and torn state of mind. For example “the supernatural soliciting (temptation) cannot be ill- cannot be good...if good, why do I yield to that suggestion” is an antithesis that gives the audience further insight into Macbeth’s way of reason. When broken down, this antithesis show that Macbeth knew something terrible was going to happened (“cannot be good”) but Macbeth, energized by the prophecies and possibility that he will be king (“cannot be ill”) knows he lacks the strength to overcome his desires. Macbeth is deeply agonized at the thought of killing the king who he has gained honor, respect and a good reputation from. He takes pride in his honor and fears ruining it. But the chance of being kings is too great of an opportunity