Importance Of Control In Macbeth

Importance of control elsewhere in the play
• How control is shown
• Reasons for control within the play
Control is a recurring theme in the play "Macbeth" as it warns the audience of the repercussions of trying to control your fate. The first key event where control features in a significant way is the witches' prophecies. They tell Macbeth that he will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland which establishes the importance of fate. Shakespeare conveys the witches as agents of evil that are deceptive and dangerous, "oftentimes to win us to our harm/the instruments of darkness tell us truths," showing that they use truth itself to influence a horrible outcome (Macbeth's tragic demise.) Their message is compelling and attractive and we

In fact, Macbeth becomes fascinated by them, "would they had stayed." Banquo serves as his conscience, perhaps representing the period audience who would have also thought the witches to be evil and unnatural, and warns him of the dangers of trusting such supernatural messengers; a warning that goes unheeded. After hearing the prophecy, Macbeth already thinks about, "murder," and becomes preoccupied with thoughts of becoming king showing the powerful hold they have over him with only one meeting, scaring the audience who would have believed in Witches. Macbeth believes the Witches as there first prophecy came true and ignores the fact that they’re evil beings whereas Banquo recognizes them for what they are. He even informs his most beloved, Lady Macbeth, who also shares his ambition. The play is about treachery and manipulation. First, the witches manipulate Macbeth which sets off the chain reaction, then Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth into committing regicide and afterwards Macbeth manipulates the murderers into killing Banquo and his son Fleance. Shakespeare reveals that the witches are being controlled by higher supernatural powers, "call 'em. Let me see 'em," shocking the Jacobean audience and as a result creating doubt and fear of the unknown. Shakespeare appeals to

Although they view each other as equals, "my dearest partner of greatness," it's Lady Macbeth who is established as the dominant partner in the dynamic, inverting typical 17th century gender and social roles. (Since husbands were supposed to rule their wives in the same way that kings ruled countries, Lady Macbeth's plan is just another version of treason: taking power that doesn't belong to her.) Upon reading the letter, she worries that Macbeth is too kind-natured to be able to take the crown and is determined to assist him through the, "valour of her (my) tongue." She emasculates Macbeth and challenges his bravery, which to him is the essence of a being a man, "coward." Compelling her husband by giving him an ultimatum, be a coward or kill the king. Macbeth succumbs to evil and in doing so, betrays his King. You could argue that when he ‘wore the Thane of Cawdor’s robes’ he became a traitor like the Thane of Cawdor. His traitorous actions would have been met with death at that time. God's divine order is disturbed as Macbeth challenges God by killing the God appointed King and assuming the role for himself in his quest for power. Later on, in the play, Macbeth asserts his right over Lady Macbeth, flipping their dynamic, and distances himself from her, "be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck." He no longer confides in his most trusted confidant and isolates himself resulting in him