Macbeth LRJ #1

1. William Shakespeare portrays his character Macbeth already as a dynamic one.The audience finds him at time a noble person, along with various other virtuous characteristics. In the very same act, however, they find him contemplating and conspiring murder of his friend and lord.

Lady Macbeth is introduced immediately as a powerhouse character, even more so if viewed from the perspectives and connotations of women in the author's time period. She is a pivotal figure in regards to her husband, proved by her convincing and encouraging nature. When the two discuss the plot to assassinate Duncan, it ends in Macbeth falling to her argument, "I am settled[to commit the murder],"(Shakespeare, Macbeth 1.7.80). This is a statement to the audience that Lady Macbeth is the force behind the relationship and the force behind their plans. It informs the audience that Macbeth still retains some of his innocence and nobility.

Banquo provides a contrast to his delirious friend's happenings. As the closest friend of the tragic hero, he goes through various of the same scenes, providing a different perspective, like seen in their first company of the witches. He is made up of a wise characterization as well, drawing the audience in, "[ to the witches] speak to me, who neither beg nor fear/ Your favors nor your hate,"( Shakespeare, Macbeth 1.3. 60-61). We see Banquo asking the witches for his predictions, wondering what is of his future fate, as any man would. Banquo is a character the audience can therefore more easily connect with as opposed to Macbeth, who is turning to ideals alien to most.

2. One particular theme reinforced in Act One of Macbeth is that of darkness. Macbeth begins his transition into a macabre personality, conspiring and committing murder, all in the name of stature and power; "...when we had marked with blood of those sleepy two/ of his own chamber and used their very daggers..."(Shakespeare, 7.76-77). The dynamic nature previously addressed is taken farther, expressing Macbeth's words into actions.

3. Shakespeare used vivid imagery (usually violent) to strike his tone through the audience. One such example is found as Lady Macbeth explains her loyalty to her husband, she tells Macbeth that if she had sworn it to him she would do the following, " while it[a baby] was smiling in my face,/Have plucked his nipple from his boneless gums / And dashed the brains out ..."(1.7.57-59).
The image of a mother breastfeeding her child present the picture of a special bond; Shakespeare provides a strong message by shifting this image into his. It shows Lady Macbeth's utter devotion to her husband, and the strength of the bond between the spouses.