Macbeth Act I Essay Research Paper William

Macbeth Act I Essay, Research Paper

William Shakespeare, famous English playwright, often started his plays with

powerful scenes and mood-setting action. Act 1 of Macbeth, is no acceptation to

the traditional important and exciting Shakespeare introductions. This act

displays the deceptive environment in which Macbeth lives (which is a major

theme in this play), depicts the characters. personalities and motives, and

finally portrays the constant struggle between good and evil. The first act of

Macbeth is important as it draws interest to the play by revealing the forces of

good and evil and a deceptive environment within society. By opening the play in

this manner, Shakespeare entices his audience to maintain interest in the whole

play as the outcome (Macbeth.s fate) is not clear. Macbeth.s world is a

place where the good is bad and the bad is good. From the very first scene, the

deception within Macbeth.s world is clearly defined. When the witches say

.fair is foul and foul is fair. (1.1.11) in scene one, the play.s theme is

quickly introduced to the audience. The quick introduction of the deceptive

world gives the audience excitement as they are left in suspense. One cannot

readily determine who the good and bad characters are for the remainder of the

play. During scene two the audience starts to become more familiar with Macbeth

as an army captain recounts Macbeth.s courageous efforts in the war in support

of king Duncan. The general, talking about Macbeth, says, .If I say sooth, I

must report they were/ As cannons overcharged with double cracks, so they/

Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe/. (1.2.36-38). Through this, Macbeth is

portrayed as a valiant soldier. In scene one, the witches present a world in

which the forces between good and evil are not easily identified. Macbeth is

described as a valiant and noble person however the audience cannot simply

accept this to be true (because fair is foul and foul is fair). Lady Macbeth is

portrayed as a very well mannered and well-groomed housewife when in reality,

she is an evil witch. When King Duncan comes to the Macbeth residence, she seems

as though she is happy and delighted to see the king saying, .All our service/

In every point twice done and then done double/. (1.6.14-15). Lady Macbeth

demonstrates hypocritical traits through her behavior, actions and speech. The

audience is introduced to the interesting idea that a housewife could force her

will upon a supposedly strong-minded husband (In Elizabethan times, women were

portrayed to be weaker than men as the men were the workers who provided for

their family). Act 1 of Macbeth presents and demonstrates a world full of

deception. The uncertainty and inconsistency in the characters keep interest

level up and the audience on the edge of their seats. The audience is forced to

think about the concept of good and evil. This mental involvement in the play

draws a lot of interest to the play and also forces the audience to think

carefully before judging each character. The main characters in Macbeth are very

exciting and interesting, showing many human traits and emotions (such as

deception and ambition) which the audience can identify with. When the audience

can put themselves in the situation of a character, this intensifies interest.

Macbeth, the major character of this play is clearly described as a man with

conflicting sides to his personality. Macbeth is also thoroughly described and

has obvious depth in his character. Macbeth seems to be a loyal and gallant hero

as he is describe by the king as the .worthiest cousin. (1.4.17). However,

Macbeth.s loyalty is obviously not true when he, talking to himself, says,

.Prince of Cumberland! That is a step/ On which I must fall down or else

o.erleap,/.Let not light see my black and deep desires.. (1.4.55-56,58).

Macbeth.s deceiving thoughts make his character interesting and appealing as

his ambition to become king (top of social ladder) is, no doubt, similar to the

ambitions of most people (to become powerful, rich and respected). Lady Macbeth

is a very interesting character as she exhibits a character with both good and

evil components. When Lady Macbeth greets the king in scene 6, she seems to be a

good hostess and housewife. Soon after, Lady Macbeth’ asks evil spirits to

.tend on moral thoughts, [and] unsex,. (1.5.48) her. Lady Macbeth.s

manipulative and constantly changing character is of interest in act one,

because she appears to be the central figure in determining the fate of king

Duncan. Duncan, the king throughout act 1, is one of the only characters who

does not change. He is not deceiving but he makes the Act interesting as he

compromises Macbeth.s fate and future, adding major complications. When Duncan

appoints his son as .The Prince of Cumberland. (1.4.45) he creates

difficulty for Macbeth in his ambition to becom

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