Lecture Notes: Macbeth's Character Analysis

Introduction

• Focus on 12 chronological events in the play 'Macbeth' that are key to understanding the character.
• Learning about these events can help answer any question at a high level.

Event 1: Rebellion Against Scotland

• Macbeth's Heroism: Initially presented as a hero for killing the rebel Scottish leader, McDonald.
• Character Insight: Revels in killing, shown by his enjoyment of McDonald's death.
• Hamartia: His innate bloodlust and enjoyment of violence.

Event 2: Meeting with the Witches

• Witches' Role: They flatter King James by presenting witchcraft; however, they don't instruct Macbeth to kill Duncan.
• Macbeth's Reaction: Quickly turns to thoughts of murder upon hearing the prophecy.
• Internal Conflict: Questions why he considers murder when fate seems to favor him.

Event 3: Macbeth's Letter to Lady Macbeth

• Purpose: Informs her of the witches' prophecies and her future as queen.
• Psychological Manipulation: Writes to her to plan the path to queenship, knowing she is more ambitious.

Event 4: Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's Ambition

• Lady Macbeth's Misjudgment: She underestimates Macbeth's violent nature, believing him to be too kind.
• Key Quote: Lady Macbeth desires to be "unsexed" to be cruel, highlighting a misunderstanding of her own and Macbeth's nature.

Event 5: Plan to Kill Duncan

• Ambition vs. Bloodlust: Macbeth's soliloquy reveals internal conflict and reliance on Lady Macbeth to spur action.
• Lady Macbeth's Role: Provides the plan to murder Duncan; Macbeth uses her ambition to fulfill his desires.

Event 6: Reaction to Duncan's Murder

• Macbeth's Realization: Recognizes the act of murder as a reflection of his true nature.
• Shakespeare's Tragic Hero: Exhibits a fatal flaw - not pure ambition, but enjoyment of killing.

Event 7: Plan to Kill Banquo

• Jealousy: Motivated by inability to have heirs, unlike Banquo.
• Decision to Kill: Driven by jealousy and Macbeth's lust for blood, not ambition.

Event 8: Banquo's Ghost

• Focus on Blood: Macbeth's fixation on Banquo's bloody appearance; admission of guilt.
• Nobles’ Suspicion: This event leads to nobles distrusting Macbeth.

Event 9: Lady Macbeth's Mental Decline

• Consequence of Guilt: Her obsession with blood and guilt over Macbeth’s continued violence.
• Macbeth’s Understanding: Attempts to cure her mental state, showing his love and understanding.

Event 10: Macbeth's Nihilism

• Reaction to Lady Macbeth's Death: Expresses a nihilistic view of life; blames fate rather than personal choices.
• Shakespeare’s Message: Highlights Macbeth’s rejection of responsibility.

Event 11: Final Battle and Death

• Macbeth’s Acceptance: Welcomes death in battle, preferring it over surrender.
• Macbeth's Hero Complex: Sees himself as a tragic hero despite the irony.

Event 12: Conclusion and Legacy

• Legacy: Macbeth as a "dead butcher"; Lady Macbeth as a "fiend-like queen."
• Patriarchal and Misogynistic Views: Reflection on gender roles and ambition.

Contextual Analysis

• Historical Context: Highlighting King James' lineage (Banquo) and views on kingship.
• Social Revolution: Shakespeare reflects societal changes and challenges traditional roles.

Final Thoughts

• Psychological Insights: Understanding Macbeth's true motivations provides a nuanced analysis.
• Exam Success: Use these insights and quotes to excel in essays about Macbeth.