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

this which I draw.”(2,1,53). Another example of destiny is when the first witch predicts Macbeth’s fate regarding Macduff by saying “He knows thy thought. Hear his speech but say thou naught.” (4,1,125). This statement frightens Macbeth, for he does not want it to be true. This slowly, but surely, breaks Macbeth apart, contributing to his transformation from having little morality, to none.
Secondly, instances of manipulation from Lady Macbeth have caused Macbeth to change throughout the play.

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

puppet.
Lastly, Macbeth’s desire for power also helps mold his facade during the play. One example of power transforming Macbeth is at the very beginning when he becomes Thane of Cawdor, “No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest. Go, pronounce his present death, and with his former title greet Macbeth.”(1,3,13). Macbeth will do anything to gain more power, even stealing people's titles by killing them. Expressing another instance of his yearning for authority, Macbeth says “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.”(4,1,131). At this point, Macbeth has turned almost sadistic, and will wipe out anyone in his way without hesitation. Macbeth’s hunger for power causes him to target the innocent, which drives him insane.
In conclusion, Macbeth is expressed as a very tough, manly character who is easily manipulated by the author. Because of instances displaying fate, persuasion, and desire for power, Macbeth pushes away from a wholesome life during the play.