William Shakespeare Has Remained A Powerful Literary Force

William Shakespeare has remained a powerful literary force to this day, and few of his works are as well known as Macbeth. The play s epic tale of ambition and greed never fails to captivate audiences. The major themes of this quintessential work are hackneyed in the world of literary criticism: the role of ambition in Macbeth s demise, the role of spirits and witches in carrying out evil, the corrupting of human morals, and many other similar themes. However, another equally important theme is the struggle of fate and free will. In Macbeth, fate is the dominant force; the characters brief attempts to exercise self control almost always fail to alter the unyielding weight of fate. Fate is the dominant force in the play, and this can be†¦show more content†¦Firstly, upon hearing the utterances, Macbeth s demeanor alters drastically; Macbeth quickly transitions from a nobleman who exudes the very essence of chivalry to an ambitious usurper (Act 1.3). Macbeth demonstrates this when he first reacts to being granted the title of Thane of Cawdor : The Thane of Cawdor lives. Why do you dress me in borrowed robes? (Act 1.3 Line 108). Macbeth is so chivalrous that he at first refuses the title and dress that does not rightly belong to him. However, upon realizing that the prophecy may be true, the enchanting allure of the prophecy imparts a sinister element upon Macbeth. He exclaims, Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires (Act 1.4 Lines 50-51). Undergoing such a change in personality is uncharacteristic for even the most capricious characters. Does Macbeth really swing from a virtuous thane to a man of evil in the course of a single scene? Or, do the witches sinister sayings corrupt his receiving mind? The witches demonstrate a remarkable power at altering the world and men, and Macbeth s corruption adds more proof of the unceasing power of fate in this play. In addition, Lady Macbeth is also made victim by the foul prophecy. Not m uch is known about Lady Macbeth s normal demeanor, but clues can be found when Macbeth greets her , My dearest love, Duncan comes here tonight (Act 1.5. Line 56). Would chivalrous Macbeth love deeply a woman who only lusts forShow MoreRelatedTransgressing Prescribed Gender Roles in Shakespeare Essay1502 Words   |  7 Pagesmost engaging, witty, intelligent, and lovable female characters. Rosalind is the epitome of Elizabethan femininity: beautiful, chaste, and charitable; and yet she is able to transcend traditional gender boundaries to become a powerful masculine figure, allowing Shakespeare to call into question the serious nature of gender and identity, while also adding to the comic relief of the play through the use of dramatic irony. 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