Imagination’s Power
(An analysis of Macbeth Acts 1 and 2 and the role of imagination) The ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful, that is simply known to us as the word imagination. All of the creativity that we possess within ourselves comes from our mind’s, although that does not mean that it is always used for a better cause. The main character in Macbeth, portrays himself as this rather fearless character, yet as the play progresses you notice how his mind is easily shaken. He may be physically strong, but he is lacking critically in the area of mental toughness. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, imagination plays a key role for Macbeth in Acts 1 and 2. First of all, Macbeth’s strong imagination not only schemed out a crime, but actually prompted him to commit it. “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter” (Act 1 Scene 3, Line 50). Those words spoken by the third witch, became embedded into Macbeth’s mind. Once he was named Thane of Cawdor, he knew that
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It seemed as if Macbeth wasn’t going to murder Duncan after he told himself he would not do it. Alas, Lady Macbeth had other plans and used her manipulation to her advantage. “Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem” (Act 1 Scene 7 Lines 41-43). Macbeth’s imagination kicks in to respond to that statement, so now he feels obligated to prove his manhood to his wife. In conclusion, the first two acts of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, were dictated by Macbeth’s strong imagination. One side of his mind pushed him to murder Duncan in his sleep, allowing him to become King of Scotland. While the other side made it as hard as possible to do the inexplicable. With Lady Macbeth’s help, Macbeth made the decision to stab the King to death. It may be a blessing as well as a curse to have a rather strong