Personification In Macbeth

The death of King Duncan unlocked the evilness in Macbeth that the witches are aiming to achieve. At the start of the play of Macbeth, Shakespeare writes Macbeth as a noble warrior who is prepared to sacrifice his life for the sake of Scotland. As the play progresses, Macbeth’s personality starts to slowly change. The soliloquy of Macbeth displays the lack of remorse and the increased ambition that was not demonstrated before the death of Duncan. The valuable characteristics of Macbeth vanish due to his hunger for power. The assassination of “gracious Duncan” (3.1.66) introduces a new figure of the newly named king. Macbeth’s change of morals and severe darkness, slowly start rising before his own eyes through Shakespeare’s use of

Macbeth recognizes that the only way to be safe as king is to kill Banquo. Macbeth views Banquo as a threat and as barrier for his long lasting legacy as king: “He hath wisdom that doth guide his valour/To act in safety.” (3.1.53-54). Shakespeare’s use of personification delivers a view of Banquo’s bravery that is controlled by his wisdom. Macbeth fears that Banquo’s blood is going to rule Scotland for the next generations to come. Macbeth’s evilness defines even more when Macbeth says, “ For Banquo’s issue have I fil’d my mind/For them the gracious Duncan have I murder’d.” (3.1.65-66). Although Macbeth uses the courteous word “gracious” to describe king Duncan’s pleasant and kind features, it is still used in a vicious way. Macbeth assumes that killing Duncan only benefits Banquo’s family line of becoming kings and not his. The lines imply that Macbeth killed such an honorable man just so another family can rule Scotland for the next generations. The new king does not wish for such a future, so he is ready to betray an associate for the sake of power. Macbeth has been relying on fate ever since the witches prophecies have been laid upon Macbeth. Now, the new king is plotting a plan to control Banquo’s fate, and not letting destiny happen. Macbeth says, “Rather than so, come fate into the [fighting arena], And

Macbeth states that he cannot find inner-peace as king due to Banquo’s prophecies. Jealousy takes over Macbeth, which leads to him wanting the superior prophecy. Macbeth says, “Upon my head they plac’d a fruitless crown,/And put a barren scepture in my gripe”(3.1.61-62). The “barren secpture” and the “fruitless crown” represents Macbeth’s inability to extend his family line. Macbeth emphasises that being crowned as king is useless as long as Banquo is alive. Macbeth is jealous at the fact that Banquo’s blood will rule Scotland for the next generations to come. The king is irritated that there is no one related to him that the crown can be passed to:”No son of mine succeeding.” (3.1.64). Macbeth’s lack of children pressures him to act in a viscous way, just so the crown can be passed down by Macbeth.Shakespeare’s usage of particular words specify his unhappiness. Macbeth says, “Thence to be wrench’d with a unlineal hand.” (3.1.63). Macbeth’s use of the word “wenche’d” specify the unfriendly violent pull that he will face from Banquo’s family. Jealousy, and ambition boosts Macbeth’s cravings for power, which ultimately changes