Change and Macbeth

Naomi Gonzales | English | Gillian Langlands
Change can be defined as a process that shapes the way in which we see ourselves and the world. It can happen straight away or in an extended period of time. It can have positive and negative consequences and can possibly affect the lives of others around them. Change also can shape our perception and understandings of the world and can affect our previous perspectives. Change as a positive force can allow a person or a group of people to experience growth, maturity and humanity but as a negative force it can cause destruction, havoc and divide people. Macbeth is a play which demonstrates how change can be a negative force and The Pelican shows how change can certainly be a positive force.

Macbeth is a play which was composed by William Shakespeare. This play is a tragedy; this play is a great example of how change can be seen as a negative force. Through change; many lives have been changed as people have personal afflictions with themselves and the way the things are working out. Shakespeare presents a play where the hierarchy or the chain of being is destabilised. Macbeth causes chaos and faces the consequences for interfering with the natural order.

Through third person and with a formal and colloquial language the audience is set into the medieval world of Macbeth and the interference with the chain of being. “I have no spur, only vaulting ambition” Macbeth personifies his characteristics to show the extent to which it fuels him to murder Duncan so he can claim the throne of Scotland, but his unwillingness to betray Duncan that Macbeth has no tangible reason to kill him and is only acting on the witches prophecy and blind ambition. Macbeths indecision and conflicting emotions recur throughout the play. A paradox, such as “So foul and fair a day”, reveal Macbeths conflicted interest in the witches prophesy but his feeling of unease as he believes there would be fatal consequences. Macbeth sees his opportunity...