The Importance Of Imagine A Rose In Macbeth

Imagine a rose. The beauty of its luscious red petals symbolizes love and covenant, yet its stem hosts a multitude of sharp, threatening thorns. In Macbeth, Shakespeare’s unique insight directs the audience’s attention to both character’s hidden vices and their more appealing qualities. As any plant does, the rose competes for sunlight and in the process may squander its kin. Similarly, the novel’s leading character, Macbeth, craves for power and position and in his pursuit leaves a trail of despaired souls. His hunger for kingship destroys not only his connection to humanity, but it also leads astray Scotland and its people.

Macbeth’s journey from an honorable and respected nobleman to a ruthless and delirious ruler (as a tragedy entails)

Most notably, Lady Macbeth adopts a similar pathway to disillusionment. From the beginning she instigates Macbeth’s desire to become king. When he writes her a letter after receiving his position as Thane of Cawdor, she becomes enthralled with idea of being royalty and as a result she becomes a dominant source of persuasion in Macbeth’s dissent. While he contends with his guilty soul throughout the play, she seemingly embraces her damnation and patronizes her husband for not acting likewise. Lady Macbeth, arguably, innately posses a more sinister nature than any other character. She initiates her decline into the instruments of darkness when she calls upon demons to make her blood thick and to unsex herself. Consequently, she falls prey to the same insanity that ensnares Macbeth. Reaching the end of the play, she sleep walks (a sign of supernatural forces during Shakespeare’s time) and continually proclaims that her actions cannot be reversed. Like Lady Macbeth, the nation of Scotland is caught in the wake of Macbeth’s drive for power. As he becomes king, Scotland falls into a period of distrust and unloyalty. Thanes flee to foreign countries and the people grieve and fear for their wellbeing. The characterization of Scotland as a sick country draws a clear distinction between the reign of Macbeth and King Edward of England (a respectful reference by