The soliloquies of Macbeth are incredibly important elements in the class Shakespeare tragedy. Explicitly stating the thoughts and mental state of their characters, they offer insight, set the stage for dramatic irony, and can mark turning points in the movements of the play.
For me, the perfect turning point in Macbeth comes from the 5th soliloquy, of Act 4, Scene 1, performed following the witches second prophecies for Macbeth. The 5th soliloquy shows us a drastically different Macbeth from the one we were introduced to, twisted by guilt and sleepless nights, haunted by his justiceless deeds. To understand this transformation, we have to remember how we first saw Macbeth.
The first soliloquy centered around Macbeth's fear for the prophecy. How could he become king when Duncan still sits on the throne? Asking himself this question, he found darker answers than he bade for. He does not wish to reconcile this thought (almost a desire) with reality, and dismisses it. In the second soliloquy, the thought has not left him (as he wouldst it could) he ponders the ramifications of his actions, and it becomes more real, more possible, teetering on the edge of plot of treason, and yet again dismisses Macbeth the thought. These soliloquies show how Macbeth thinks over his actions, carefully and, I would even say, wisely.
By the fifth soliloquy, this Macbeth cannot be found. Macbeth lets go of the very notion of such pathetic consideration. Killing becomes nothing to him, his wants and desires shall be acted without second thought. Macbeth has become hopeless, and in so finds ruthlessness. The fifth soliloquy explicates the metamorphosis of Macbeth, from loyal, just Thane to cold, murderer King.
I liked how you said in the fifth soliloquy it was like killing people was nothing to him, how in the earlier ones he contemplated doing it. It really shows how he changed.
ReplyDeleteI like how you clearly show the transition between the old macbeth and the new one.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you pined out how much he has changed and that he has become a ruthless killing king
ReplyDeleteYou understand Macbeth's thought processes so well and explain them so thoroughly! You really summed up his character's transformation.
ReplyDeleteWhile you are making these good observations, I want to hear Macbeth-- where for example did you hear him not want to reconcile his desire with reality? Likewise in the 5th soliloquy, where do you hear him decide without second thought?
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