Violence In Macbeth Essay

hakespeare predominantly utilizes a theme of violence to advance the plot in his tragedy Macbeth. From the very first few scenes, violence is existent. The second scene of the play takes place during warfare, and a bleeding captain describes Macbeth’s many vicious killings on the battlefield. Macbeth repeatedly uses violence to try to achieve his aspirations. Violence is constantly portrayed throughout the play of Macbeth, especially through events involving babies and children. In Act I, the violence is mainly set up. Although no violence directly occurs to any babies or children in the act, the witches’ prophecy of Banquo being the father of kings sets up the plot that will later lead to violence towards his child.

Additionally, Lady Macbeth

When Macbeth revisits the witches, the second apparition that appears is a bloody child. The bloody child tells Macbeth, “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn / The power of man, for none of a woman born / Shall harm Macbeth” (IV.i.79-81). This scene presents a strong sense of violence. Another example of violence in this act occurs after Macbeth is warned by the first apparition to beware Macduff. This confirms Macbeth’s suspicions of Macduff and makes him determined to kill Macduff and his family. Since Macduff has gone to England to meet up with Malcolm to help form an army, only Macduff’s family remains in Macbeth’s reach. Despite this, Macbeth says that he will “Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword / His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls / That trace him in his line” (IV.i.151-153). Macbeth again sends a murderer to commit his cruel act. At Macduff’s castle, the murderer says to Macduff’s family that Macduff is a traitor to Scotland. When Macduff’s son sticks up for his father, the murderer stabs and kills Macduff’s son. The murderer then proceeds to kill Lady Macduff as well. This scene shows the cruel killing of a child, continuing the theme of violence throughout the