Macbeth

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 become king. These problems make the plot more interesting (Duncan stands in the way of Macbeth’s happiness). Macbeth