Examples Of Manipulation In Macbeth

Lyla Thompson

World Literature

Mr. Federico

Feb. 15, 2018

Macbeth: The Conscious Puppet

In William Shakespeare's play ‘‘Macbeth’’, the author shows Macbeth as a very rugged, masculine character, although he can be easily persuaded. Because of examples demonstrating destiny, manipulation, and megalomania, Macbeth sways away from a righteous life as the play develops.

For instance, examples of destiny show how Macbeth transforms into a merciless character as the play continues. “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!” (1,3,19), prophecies the third witch to Macbeth. The witch’s words claim to have no effect on Macbeth, but he covertly cares greatly for the future. He does not want to share his title, contributing to the crumbling of his practicality. A sample of destiny transforming Macbeth is when he is going to murder Duncan, giving into his fate, “A dagger of the mind, a false creation proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?... As

Macbeth’s wife constantly questions Macbeth’s masculinity, ensuing horrible decisions on Macbeth's part. “Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life and live a coward in thine own esteem,” (1,7,41), Lady Macbeth says to her husband remarking the plan to kill Duncan which eggs on Macbeth; losing pieces of his humanity as a result. Another instance of persuasion is when Lady Macbeth reassures Macbeth after the killing of Duncan by saying “Consider it not so deeply.”(2,2,57). This disregard for human life manipulates how Macbeth perceives death. Lady Macbeth provokes Macbeth and his manhood once again during his vision of Banquo’s ghost by questioning “Are you a man?”(3,4,103). It is as if Macbeth can not have feelings besides wanting to kill, just to keep up a good image for him and his wife. Lady Macbeth uses manipulation to her advantage, and plays Macbeth like a