Introduction
This essay explores the character of Macbeth in William Shakespeare’s tragedy *Macbeth*, focusing specifically on what his plan to murder Duncan reveals about his psychological and moral makeup. Written around 1606, the play examines themes of ambition, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power. Macbeth’s decision to devise and execute a plot against King Duncan serves as a pivotal moment, exposing key facets of his personality, including his ambition, moral conflict, and susceptibility to external influence. This analysis will consider how Macbeth’s plan reflects his internal struggles, his relationship with Lady Macbeth, and his transformation from a noble warrior to a tyrant. By drawing on textual evidence and scholarly perspectives, the essay aims to provide a sound understanding of Macbeth’s character, demonstrating a logical argument supported by relevant examples.
Ambition as a Driving Force
Macbeth’s plan to murder Duncan reveals his overwhelming ambition, a central trait that defines much of his character. Early in the play, the witches’ prophecy that he will become king ignites a latent desire for power. When he contemplates the murder in Act 1, Scene 7, he admits, “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition” (Shakespeare, 2008, p. 55). This confession highlights how ambition overrides his initial reluctance, driving him to devise a plan despite his awareness of its moral implications. Critics such as Bradley (1904) argue that Macbeth’s ambition is not merely personal but tied to a societal expectation of masculinity and success, which amplifies his need to act decisively (Bradley, 2005). This suggests that his plan is not just a product of individual greed but also a response to external pressures, revealing a complex interplay between personal desire and cultural influence.
Moral Conflict and Weakness
While ambition propels Macbeth forward, his plan also exposes a deep-seated moral conflict and inherent weakness. Unlike a purely villainous character, Macbeth is plagued by doubt and fear before committing the murder. In his soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7, he weighs the consequences, fearing both earthly retribution and divine judgment: “We still have judgment here” (Shakespeare, 2008, p. 54). This hesitation indicates that Macbeth is not inherently evil but rather a man torn between right and wrong. However, his inability to resist Lady Macbeth’s taunts—“Art thou afeard / To be the same in thine own act and valour / As thou art in desire?” (Shakespeare, 2008, p. 56)—demonstrates a certain fragility. Scholarly analysis by Knights (1947) suggests that Macbeth’s capitulation to his wife’s manipulation reveals a lack of autonomous moral strength, positioning him as a tragic figure rather than a calculated criminal (Knights, 2001). Thus, his plan underscores a character fundamentally conflicted and susceptible to external sway.
Influence of Lady Macbeth
Macbeth’s plan further reveals the extent of Lady Macbeth’s influence over his actions and psyche. When Macbeth initially expresses doubts about the murder, it is Lady Macbeth who formulates the concrete strategy, instructing him to “look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under’t” (Shakespeare, 2008, p. 49). This dynamic suggests that Macbeth’s character is not only ambitious but also impressionable, relying on his wife’s ruthless pragmatism to bolster his resolve. Critics like Adelman (1992) argue that this reliance reflects a gendered power imbalance, with Lady Macbeth embodying a transgressive form of agency that Macbeth lacks (Adelman, 1992). Therefore, the plan to kill Duncan is as much a product of Lady Macbeth’s influence as it is of Macbeth’s own will, revealing his dependence on others to enact his darker impulses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Macbeth’s plan to murder Duncan serves as a lens through which key aspects of his character are illuminated. It exposes his consuming ambition, which drives him toward regicide despite moral reservations, highlighting a man caught between desire and ethics. Furthermore, the plan reveals his vulnerability to influence, particularly from Lady Macbeth, whose dominance underscores Macbeth’s lack of independent resolve. While demonstrating initial moral conflict, his eventual action marks the beginning of a tragic descent into tyranny and paranoia. These elements collectively position Macbeth as a complex tragic hero, whose flaws and external pressures culminate in catastrophic choices. This analysis not only deepens our understanding of Macbeth’s character but also invites reflection on broader themes of power and morality in Shakespeare’s work, underscoring the enduring relevance of the play in exploring human nature.
References
- Adelman, J. (1992) Suffocating Mothers: Fantasies of Maternal Origin in Shakespeare’s Plays. Routledge.
- Bradley, A. C. (2005) Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. Penguin Classics.
- Knights, L. C. (2001) Some Shakespearean Themes and An Approach to ‘Hamlet’. Stanford University Press.
- Shakespeare, W. (2008) Macbeth. Edited by S. Greenblatt. W.W. Norton & Company.
