“How does Shakespeare present Macbeth as a disturbed character in Act 1 of Macbeth?” Essay

How does Shakespe be give birth Macbeth as a harebrained source in Act 1 of Macbeth? William Shakespeare wrote the figure out Macbeth in 1606. It, as the title suggests, follows the story of a Scotsman named Macbeth and how, after the prophecy of three witches, sees his status evolve from a general in the fairys army to becoming the King himself.However the main theme that Shakespeare introduces in this play is the lengths man will go to fulfil ambition and the treacherous consequences that come with it. non only do we see Macbeths status evolve that likewise his personality inside. With each scene we see Macbeth succumb to the pressures of achieving power and how this affects his character as well. Act 1 of Macbeth truly, from the beginning, shows us a clear development of Macbeths huffy personality not only through language and the context behind this tragedy. In Act 1 characterization 2 we are not introduced to Macbeth, but not directly. Shakespeare describes him as a ruthless, violent but brave soldier through the mouths of admirers.When the Thane Ross and a Captain describe Macbeths brave performance during a victory over Norway, we are immediately acquaint to the respect that he is held in. The Captain describes him in a very positive manner, For brave Macbeth well he deserves that name is a quote that clearly emphasises the discernment that fellow soldiers corroborate for Macbeth. The work of the word deserves shows us that he has earned the right to be commended. However an opposite interpretation of Macbeths heroics is possibly his ruthlessness. During his distinguishing, Macbeth is also described as quite a violent person. His fierceness is made apparent when the Captain conveys a very vivid explanation of how Macbeth killed a Norwegian, till he unseamd him from the nave to the chaps.This description is very daunting to think about and Shakespeare leaves this image implanted in the heads of the audience. The use of the word unseamd s hows us Macbeths ruthlessness when in battle, with possibly no respect for others lives. The violent aspect of Macbeths character can be interpreted a disturbed one. His ruthlessness is quite inhumane in the sense that he shows signs of a villainous character.Another way in which Macbeth is seen a disturbed character, is his familiarity and connection with the three witches. When Macbeth and Banquo are introduced in Scene 3, Macbeths first line is So foul and fair a day I have not seen. This quote echoes the witches in Scene 1, Fair is foul and foul is fair. The phrase is almost a paradox, it can interpreted to show how energy is as it seems. However the fact that Macbeth repeated a phrase said by witches all but adds to a negative insight into his character. During Shakespeares time, witches were seen as very real creatures. In the early 17th century, suspected witches were burnt and there was even an Act of Parliament put forward in 1604 against them.This was because witches wer e subjects of pathologic and fevered fascination by society at this time people feared them. They were seen as creatures of Satan and therefore evil characters. The use of the three witches in the play adds to the fear within it and with this, the use of Macbeth echoing their words adds to the sheer disturbance. During this time, Macbeths reference to foul and fair would have caused a negative impact on the way the audience looked at him. To be associated with repelled evil witches creates a dark atmosphere and timbre throughout the play. After the witches prophecy, Macbeths mind is beginning to work out into a state of madness and paranoia due his constant change in thoughts.The ideas that roam Macbeths head prove to be a substantial character of the Act. The prophecy, which promises the status of King in the future, has been fixed into Macbeths mind, provoking ill thoughts. After bearing witness to the supernatural occurrence, Macbeth begins to contemplate the idea of kill the present King Duncan in order to become King.This supernatural soliciting/Cannot be ill, cannot be good is a quote that clearly shows us the mindset that Macbeth is in confusion. The use of the words ill and good makes it clear that he is between the two thoughts and his mind isnt thinking straight however he comes to a stopping point that he shouldnt intervene to make the prophecy become align. However Macbeth again contemplates the idea later on in Scene 4. After realising that Malcolm, Duncans Son, is the rightful heir to the throne, Macbeth is again mystified to whether he should intervene in fate. The heart and soul wink at the hand heretofore let that be/Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see illustrates his desire for power but reluctance to commit murder, the eye fears.The theme of hesitation and constant contemplation of Macbeth is a sign of confusion within his mind. This is a sign of a disturbed character. Another way in which Macbeth can be seen in a negative w ay is through his motives and if they are with foundation especially through eyes of the audience who witnessed Macbeth in William Shakespeares time. This includes the idea of treason and how power was a God given right. In Scene 7 we find that Macbeth is considering whether killing Duncan is the right act to commit due to the high respect that the King holds him in. When talking in his soliloquy (something that Shakespeare uses to shows the audience the thoughts and true feelings of characters) Macbeth talks about his respect for Duncan, I am his kinsman and his subject, this supports the fact that he is also related to Duncan and a trusted figure. However his mindset is yet again changed as he finally decides that murder is the best option, False face must hide what the false heart doth know is a token of his change of mind but, with that, his personality.The idea of Macbeth committing murder on a King would have been frowned upon when the audience of the 17th century watched Mac beth. Political connotations such as the pulverisation Plot 0f 1605 was possibly used by Shakespeare to relate to Macbeth and the idea of killing Kings. Macbeth was possibly used as a caution against potential regicides, especially with the assistant of Shakespeares productions being the King James. Also religious connotations, such as the idea that the status of King was a God given right, played a significant part. Macbeth is aspiring to achieve a status that isnt a God given thing, especially at this time the theme of treason was intemperately frowned upon. The idea of Macbeth wanting to achieve Kingship without God given rights would have added to his disturbing character. There are other examples that show Macbeths disturbed character.One other factor could be his irrational thinking and the way that Lady Macbeth must always intervene to make him think right. Near the end of Scene 7, Macbeth attest his wife that he will not commit the murder, We will proceed no further in thi s business, is a firm claim from Macbeth. His tone is one that is very decisive however after the persuasive techniques of Lady Macbeth he quickly changes his mind. I am settled, and bend up/ each bodied agent to this terrible feat is said at the end of the scene, showing Macbeths sudden change in mind and sheer willingness to kill King Duncan. Macbeth doesnt think straight and can be seen as having a fragile mind, one that can be easily moulded.Overall, Shakespeare successfully shows the audience how Macbeth develops his disturbed character. By using language features and also the views of certain themes of the audience of the time, he introduces a very irrational character. These themes include violence, religion, politics and the idea that mans desire for power outweighs any respect for the consequences. Macbeth slowly develops from a violent person to someone who is very fragile in the mind and also, essentially, a disturbed character.