Macbeth

The tragedy, Macbeth by William Shakespeare can be observed as both a series of repeated events as well as not a series of repeated events. Macbeth is a progression of juxtapositions, character foils and parallelisms. This specifically highlighted by the reactions of the witches prophecies between Banquo and Macbeth. The play illustrates the context of Elizabethan England, portraying the old beliefs, values and morals. In many different aspects, Macbeth can be seen as a series of repeated events and as not a series of events through the characters actions and the consequences of these actions.
Firstly, the human emotion of trust in Macbeth is emphasised by King Duncan’s trust of his family, friends and subjects. This is portrayed through the use of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony is used subtly in Macbeth as the play operates as a series of juxtapositions, character foils and parallelisms [2]. Dramatic irony is evident when King Duncan speaks of the treacherous Cawdor, “There’s no art, To find the mind’s construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built/ an absolute trust.” (Act 1, Scene 4, Line 11- 14) This emphasises Duncan’s untrustworthiness of the previous thane of Cawdor but he has all but praise for Macbeth, “O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman.” (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 24). However, the audience are aware that Macbeth is extremely curious about the witches’ prophecies regarding him and the throne. Duncan’s contrasting view of Macbeth and the thane of Cawdor through Shakespeare’s subtle use of dramatic irony highlights the differences regarding Duncan’s trust between the two different characters. As Macbeth is Duncan’s cousin, he trusts Macbeth not to act against him. The contrast in Duncan’s trust between the two characters demonstrate that Macbeth can be observed as not a series of repeated events, shown in the dramatic irony used in the play.
Similarly, the thematic concern of ambition is explored in Macbeth, showing that Macbeth is not a...