Transformation In Macbeth

The concept of power and control, particularly concerning a government or state, has had a predominant influence on civilized societies throughout time. In George Orwell’s 1984, citizens of Oceania live by the ideologies “War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength” (Orwell 4). The ironic and paradoxical slogan is indicative of the totalitarian government lead by Big Brother. The novel tells the story Winston Smith on his journey for independence and truth in a dystopia plagued with strict regulations and deceit. While set in medieval times, Macbeth by William Shakespeare also depicts a society that is governed by a destructive authoritative power. Macbeth, a once noble soldier becomes a murderous tyrant throughout the play.

Morals are derivatives of an individual 's inner self and surrounding society and government. However, values may be subject to change as the circumstances around one’s life and environment evolve. The concept of moral transformation due to surrounding influences is present in both 1984 and Macbeth. In particular, there is a strong impact on protagonists Winston Smith and Macbeth from their female counterparts. At the beginning of Macbeth, Macbeth is a respected Thane who is deeply loyal to the original monarch of Scotland, King Duncan. Soon after, however, he is visited by three witches, one of which states “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Act I, Scene III, Page 5). The news unsettles Macbeth, but his ambiguity quickly transforms into ambition when Ross, a Scottish noble, informs him that he is now the Thane of Cawdor. After he is officially named Thane of Cawdor by the king, Macbeth informs his beloved wife of the prophecy and his new status. Lady Macbeth is instantly elated and begins plotting the murder of King Duncan, stating “He that’s coming Must be provided for; and you shall put This night’s great business into my dispatch, Which shall to all our nights and days to come Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom” (Act I, Scene V, Page 13). Ultimately, the encouragement from the propachies and Lady Macbeth drives Macbeth to lunacy wherein

In Macbeth, Macbeth’s evil deeds and subsequent internal conflict result in destructive mental turmoil. Eventually Macbeth receives more predictions in the form of apparitions. Firstly, Macbeth is warned of Macduff by an armed head. Secondly, a blood child appears encouraging Macbeth to “Laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth” (Act IV, Scene I, Page 54). Finally, the third apparition appears in the form of a crowned child with a tree in his hand instructing Macbeth to “Be lion-mettled, proud” (Act IV, Scene I, Page 54) as not be defeated until until Birnam Wood fights him at Dunsinane Hill. Due to this, Macbeth’s determination heightens along with his paranoia. After he killed Duncan, Macbeth’s “black and deep desires” (Act I, Scene IV, Page 11) motive him to murder anyone who poses a threat to his ambition. Eventually, Lady Macbeth commits suicide due the guilt she felt from her role in Duncan’s death. The death of Lady Macbeth leads Macbeth to contemplate the brevity and meaning of his own life by stating that “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor play That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing” (Act V, Scene V, Page 77). The prophecies originally given to Macbeth come true, however, they were