The Concrete Dangers Of Abstract Illusions In

Macbeth Essay, Research Paper

The Concrete Dangers of Abstract Illusion

Man is in control of world, and consequently of his existence. Since the effervescence of human greatness created by the Renaissance, the superiority of man has been continually accentuated through our culture. However, there still remains the domain of abstract concepts, which cannot be mastered, or even grasped entirely by the most profound member of human civilization. In the realm of these abstract concepts, William Shakespeare had already incorporated the use of different settings and characters to create an almost supernatural environment for his praised plays. The Tragedy of Macbeth proves to be no exception. In effect, in this play tracing the political rise and disastrous fall of a Scottish thane during the feudal times, the characters are dominated by several intangible concepts, whether they are simply nature, ambition, or the more complex effects caused by illusion. In more precise terms, Shakespeare makes a comment on this subject, as his portrayal of Macbeth s gradual deterioration clearly leads to the reader s understanding of the dangers of illusion.

In fact, even before the appearance of the main character, the prevalence of this theme can already be noticed in the first scene, through the obscure and deranging apparition of the three witches. In effect, the three Weird Sisters are the generators of Macbeth s illusions, and it can already be seen that the source of these predictions cannot be entrusted. More specifically, we first see the witches preparing to meet Macbeth in the midst of a stormy weather. This ambiance, further emphasized by such expressions as Fair is foul, and foul is fair , already creates a supernatural mood and foreshadows both the dangerous aspect of illusions, as well as their lack of veracity. In effect, both the uncontrollable aspect of life and the persistent mention of equivocation are hinted through the mystical aspect of the witches, and their intermingling of foul and fair , true and false, reality and predictions. When faced to such creatures, a human, however powerful and exceptional, cannot lead or even direct the trajectory of his life or his environment. As the reader notices, Macbeth will fall in the same depths of catastrophe led by illusion.

In contrast to this macabre sight is the political and physical chaos expressed by war in the second scene of Act One. In effect, Macbeth is portrayed as cannons overcharged with double cracks . Thus, at this point, Macbeth still maintains control of reality, as he dominates the battle bravely and honorably. In composing this scene, Shakespeare further accentuates the future detriments of the thane due to illusions. In effect, the lord remains successful both publicly and privately as long as he does not confuse ideal with the present. This is immediately confirmed by the following scene, when the meeting with the witches forces Macbeth to consider the possibility of regicide, as he declares, My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,/Shakes so my single state of man that function/Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is/But what is not . Again, the confrontation with ambitious projections of the future immediately creates an intricate conflict within Macbeth. Here, the thane has accepted the words of the witches solely based on his appointment to the title of Cawdor, and his deepest thoughts contradict his principles. In effect, the warrior intends to kill the king for whom he has just risked his life in battle. Although the disturbance created in the protagonist s mind does not seem apparent to others at first, the strong inner conflict which already leads Macbeth can be perceived by the reader.

In this state of confusion and uncertainty, the appearance of Lady Macbeth in Act One, Scene Five provides an interesting level of comparison. In effect, whereas illusions have broken the thane s inner calm, and taken away his force, they have produced a motivated and determined character in his wife. Still, the witches predictions are not positive for Lady Macbeth either, since she displays her negative aims, and reproaches her husband s milk of human kindness . This is confirmed in the final scene of this first act, as the woman violently comments on Macbeth s doubts and commands him to screw your courage to the sticking-place . Once again, although they are different, the effects caused by the unattainable dreams have repercussions in the concrete and tangible world.

As Act Two opens, another contrast allows Shakespeare to further explore the detrimental effect of Macbeth s illusions. Specifically, the discussion between the two victorious generals again emphasizes the already declining state of Macbeth s honor and mental condition. In effect, in contrast to the conspirator, Banquo can cope with the dreams of future success. In effect, although his sleep is disturbed by cursed thoughts , he still proclaims that he will keep his allegiance clear . Again, the far-extending effects of Macbeth s plans are already shown, since the secret and forced ascendance to King Duncan s throne force the protagonist to give up all the principles which lead the men of honor. At this point, Banquo s sense of reality and Macbeth s state of mind clearly start de deviate, as shown by the appearance of a dagger during the protagonist s soliloquy. When confronted with the sight of the knife, Ma