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Macbeth: Living In Exile Imagine that the only driving force in life was destiny. Imagine that the root of every action was the fulfillment of a predetermined future. Life would have only one focus, only one vessel of existence - destiny. Such was the life of Macbeth. It was a life that was dedicated to fulfilling his life’s prophecy. He summoned every "corporal agent" within him to reach his coveted and destined honor as King of Scotland. In doing so, he not only destroyed the lives of others but destroyed his own life by alienating all of his potential associates. Macbeth had determined that the crown of Scotland belonged to no one but himself. Macbeth did not begin his life as an alienated person. Shakespeare introduced him as an honorable and courageous man. He was commended for his military abilities and bold assaults on the enemy. When he first appeared on stage, he was accompanied by three friends, Banquo, Ross, and Angus. Shakespeare took great care to demonstrate Macbeth's comfort with members of society. But Shakespeare also revealed a different side to Macbeth. After Macbeth received the prophecy, he immediately began to think of the malicious ways in which he could ensure that the prophecy was fulfilled. Of course, this period of contemplation occurred in private - a foreshadowing of the exile that Macbeth would submerge himself into as time progressed. The irony of Macbeth’s alienation was that for a time Macbeth did not live in alienation alone. Lady Macbeth was the one who entrapped him in the world of singular existence. While the two of them planned Duncan’s murder, they were in their own world. It was the world in which the driving force was a self-induced destiny. Every action was a link in destiny’s chain; and that was what drove Macbeth to commit murder. Once Lady Macbeth claimed that "the night’s great business" would to all their "nights and days to come give solely sovereign sway and masterdom," Macbeth was hooked. He understood that by killing Duncan, he was ensuring his possession of the crown, and murder was a price that he was willing to pay. The turning point of Macbeth’s role in society occurred when he ordered Banquo and his son killed. It demonstrated the lengths to which Macbeth would go for the sake of the crown. He had become so involved in retaining his position as king that he was willing to kill his best friend for it. He isolated himself by killing those whom he feared. Slowly, Macbeth built a fort around his mind and shackles about his feet. Every murder was a link in his chain of destiny and a brick in his wall of protection. The final link in Macbeth’s chain was the assassination of the Macduff family. It was the lock that sealed his fate. He had reached the ultimate level of exile - not only had he created isolation for himself, but he had begun to isolate other people from their families. Macbeth took away the heart of Macduff. There was no family left for Macduff to care for - and it was done at the command of Macbeth. This last command, emanating from an alienated mind, is what drove Macduff to murder the mighty Macbeth. The significance of the Macduff massacre was the effect that Macbeth’s alienation had on other people. He cost people their integrity, their happiness, their life, all for his own selfish agenda. He not only sacrificed himself for the crown, but he sacrificed others. He managed to isolate himself and the people around him for the mere purpose of getting what he wanted. Shakespeare revealed what living in exile could do to a person through the demise of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth, who was the true "contriver of all harms," died of insanity - a condition which was caused by overwhelming guilt and ultimate isolation. Macbeth, the junior contriver of all harms, was beheaded by Macduff after a sword fight. Both husband and wife - king and queen - died in a condition of isolation and mental depravity. Neither of them died living in the real world, but instead ceased to exist in their world of exile. Their paths had crossed, their course had been run, they had reached the end of destiny, and had seen the setting of their sun.
William Shakespeare was born around April 23, 1564 in Stratford, England. He was the son of John and Mary, and the third child in a family of eight. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway - who happened to be eight years older than him. They bore three children, two of whom were twins. It is believed that Shakespeare began his theatrical career as an actor in the company "Lord Chamberlain’s Men." He contributed both his acting abilities and writing genius to the company. After being a member of the company for about twenty-two years, Shakespeare retired to a home in Stratford. He died there on April 23, 1616, leaving behind his wife and one child, Susanna.
Has this essay left you wanting to know more about Macbeth? If so, here are some links that may help you. Some are informational and some are just plain fun. Check out these websites and let me know what you think. If you find some other helpful websites send them to us via e-mail on the group page and I'll add them to the list.
Macbeth: The Star Wars Version - Here is an unusual interpretation of Macbeth. A group of guys got together and put the tragedy of Macbeth into the setting of Star Wars. It's great for examining the universality of Shakespeare. Macbeth - This site is great for examining the themes in Macbeth. It discusses the themes that Shakespeare may have implied through the play and stimulates the mind to think about even more themes in Macbeth. Macbeth Navigator - Macbeth navigator is perfect for those who need to write papers on Macbeth. It provides a stepping stone for insightful themes, analysis of characters, and analysis of soliloquies. This page designed by Angela Morris of McNair Academic High School. |
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Advisor:
Mr. Russo
A.P English 3 McNair Academic High School
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William Shakespeare