The Importance of Macbeth in Modern Society
The importance of continuing to read Macbeth in our modern society is to educate readers on valuable lessons in life. The significance of gaining power appropriately, the fact that there are consequences for every action and the importance of justice are a few of the many life lessons that are relevant in Shakespeare 's tragedy, Macbeth.
Primarily, Macbeth, the main character, is influenced by his wife and subsequently has a great desire to be King of Scotland. Macbeth is presently the Thane of Glamis, as well as an army general of the current King, Duncan. When Duncan is in Inverness, he decides to stay at the home of the Macbeths. Lady Macbeth eagerly devises a plot to murder Duncan, thus ensuring her husband 's place on the throne of Scotland. Although Macbeth raises concerns about the regicide, he is eventually persuaded by his wife to follow her plan.“ Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires; the eye wink at the hand; yet let that be which the eye fears, when it is done, to see ”(I.iv.50-53). Macbeth knows that he must do wrong to achieve his goal, but plans to kill anyone in the way if he must. The method in which Macbeth chooses to use to gain power is neither civilized, nor humane. This extremity is perhaps hinting to the reader that Macbeth 's actions were wrong, as well as showing the extremes one may go through to get what they desire.
The witches ' apparitions given to Macbeth and friend, Banquo, at the beginning of the plot play a monumental role in the thoughts of both men. Macbeth is told that he will be king, though Banquo 's sons will be kings as well. “As the weird woman promis’d; and, I fear, thou play’dst most foully for’t; yet it was said it should not stand in thy posterity, but that myself should be the root and father of many kings” (III.I.2-6). Banquo explains that he will father all kings to come, and that Macbeth will not be king for a long period of time.
This apparition challenges the friendship
Primarily, Macbeth, the main character, is influenced by his wife and subsequently has a great desire to be King of Scotland. Macbeth is presently the Thane of Glamis, as well as an army general of the current King, Duncan. When Duncan is in Inverness, he decides to stay at the home of the Macbeths. Lady Macbeth eagerly devises a plot to murder Duncan, thus ensuring her husband 's place on the throne of Scotland. Although Macbeth raises concerns about the regicide, he is eventually persuaded by his wife to follow her plan.“ Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires; the eye wink at the hand; yet let that be which the eye fears, when it is done, to see ”(I.iv.50-53). Macbeth knows that he must do wrong to achieve his goal, but plans to kill anyone in the way if he must. The method in which Macbeth chooses to use to gain power is neither civilized, nor humane. This extremity is perhaps hinting to the reader that Macbeth 's actions were wrong, as well as showing the extremes one may go through to get what they desire.
The witches ' apparitions given to Macbeth and friend, Banquo, at the beginning of the plot play a monumental role in the thoughts of both men. Macbeth is told that he will be king, though Banquo 's sons will be kings as well. “As the weird woman promis’d; and, I fear, thou play’dst most foully for’t; yet it was said it should not stand in thy posterity, but that myself should be the root and father of many kings” (III.I.2-6). Banquo explains that he will father all kings to come, and that Macbeth will not be king for a long period of time.
This apparition challenges the friendship
Cited: Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Oxford University Press 1977