Macbeth's Transformation

The transformations do not end there though. During 4.1, Macbeth makes a decision that is integral to his character development and acts as one of the final changes that he makes. In his anger from hearing of Macduff’s allegiance to Malcolm, Macbeth declares, “The very firstlings of my heart shall be / The firstlings of my hand.” (4.1 162-63) Although this quote can appear to be non-essential to the transformation of Macbeth’s character, it is in fact, quite the contrary. This one particular quote marks one of the final departures from his initial character from act 1. Previously, Lady Macbeth had to relentlessly coerce her husband into action, and then had to continuously reaffirm her efforts because Macbeth’s conscious would cause him to

second-guess his actions; Now, however, during his angry outburst, Macbeth commits to acting on his impulses and desires, without considering the moral and logistical repercussions. It is because of this new commitment, that Macbeth embarks on his final transformation. This impetuosity that he commits to acting on leads him to order the brutal murder of Macbeth’s entire family; His most cruel and tyrannical act yet. In Macbeth, the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and the intended murder of Fleance serve strategic purposes that help ensure Macbeth stays in power. Duncan is killed so that Macbeth can take his place; Banquo is a threat and is therefore eliminated; The ordered murder of Fleance was intended to end Banquo’s lineage. The murder has no strategic purpose to Macbeth, who is even assured by the witches (whom Macbeth hold a great deal of trust in) that “none of women born / Shall harm Macbeth” (4.1 87-88). When Macbeth orders the death of the Macduff family, it is simply because he is lashing out, and because he can. Instead of serving a strategic purpose, this murder serves as a way for Macbeth to act on his anger and get to Macduff; A temper tantrum; if you will. This makes the murders even more horrific than his previous murders, and is, therefore, that last turning point for Macbeth.