Act One Macbeth example essay topic

Read Act 1 Of Macbeth And Write About How The Themes Of Treason, Deceit And Witchcraft Are Introduce Shakespeare wrote Macbeth the play in 1606. It was written to entertain the king (James 1st) and his brother in law the Christian king of Demark. The first act introduces the important themes of treason, deceit and witchcraft which the whole play revolves around. This is portrayed through the dramatic setting of a lonely and remote wasteland where Macbeth and Banquo come across the three witches. As Macbeth approaches the witches are dancing to the beet of his drum, adding to the mythical magic that is created by their presents. Macbeth portrays a loyal, courageous and admirable captain of the kings army at the beginning of the play.

He is praised by all levels of authority; O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!" from the king, "For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name" from a sergeant, and "Bellona's bridegroom" from Ross to suggest that Macbeth is worthy of marrying a goddess of war. His courage and bravery is shown by the fact that he has won two battles for his king, one in the west and one in the east. He is rewarded for his efforts with the title Thane of Cawdor.

But as the act continues, he changes for the worse. This change is caused by three main factors- the witches predictions that he will eventually become king, this plants the first seed of treason in Macbeths mind. Lady Macbeths ambition to be queen, which in turn increases his own ambition to be king. At this period in time plays and real life happenings that involved treason against the king such as Guy Falks and the Gun Powder Plot caught the interest of the general public because it was such a frowned upon and dangerously exciting subject.

It is on the moor, a life less and sterile place that Macbeth meet the witches whilst en route with Banquo towards the Kings camp at forres. There is thunder and lightning which attracts the audience's attention and present destructive forces, often symbolic of the super natural and the unknown. This is the point at which the three witches enter. This could be said to be a copy of a biblical situation where important characters are often grouped into threes e.g. the three wise men. Shakespeare may have created to some sort of unholy threesome to emphasise the wickedness of the witches by presenting this in contrast with the traditional good characters.

The theme of witchcraft would of interest to the audience because it was a very big issue at the time, as many women had been hung in suspicion of unholy practice. The witches in this play an important role because they are the ones who place the initial seed of treason into Macbeths head. The witches main purpose in this scene is to cause doubt over Macbeth's original loyal dedication to his king. The witches can be identified as evil by the things they say; "I come, Gray malkin", "Paddock calls", and these are all contemporary stereotypical 'unholy' creatures.

However the most obvious indication that these three beings are in fact witches comes where they chant together All The witches chat together- "Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air". This verse is hypocritical of itself, as everything that has beauty is foul and everything that is foul has beauty are opposites. It is also said in trochaic rhythm and there is alliteration on the F's this all results in the verse having a negative feel. The word hover in the sentence could be a subtle reminder of the powers the witches possess. The first line Macbeth says in the same scene is an echo of the witches chant.

He is curious of them which is similar to Banquo first reaction as Banquo is puzzled and then asks them questions, mainly about there appearance and there gender. Finally, he orders them to speak: -First Witch "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glam is!" Second Witch "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!" Third Witch "All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be King hereafter " Macbeth is startled by the witches prophecies. His reaction can only mean one of two things: one he had never thought of his ambition before and now he realises what he can accomplish; two he had already contemplated the idea of being king and the prophecy has intrigued him further.

After the audience has heard the prophecies I believe they would be horrified, but exited to see the outcome. Early on in act one Macbeth has thoughts of treason however the audience is introduced to this theme in a different way through the actions of the Thane of Cawdor who attempted to murder the king. This would interest the audience as it has also been tried before and failed in real life e.g. Guy Falks. Within this play, Shakespeare uses dramatic irony when Duncan is talking about the thane of Cawdor.

Duncan He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust This is said just as Macbeth who is also plotting against him walks in. When Macbeth is given the title of Thane of Cawdor, the audience are given a clue as to what is going to happen in future acts because his predecessor committed treason against the king. Lady Macbeth introduces another level of treachery and deceit, as she is the one who actually plans Duncan murder after she learns that he is coming to stay at their castle. Lady Macbeth O never shall sin that morrow see leave all the rest to me When she meets king Duncan she is very deceptive so as to not let him find out about her plans.

Throughout act one the notion that you cannot trust outward appearances echoes through the language. e.g. Lady Macbeth to Macbeth- just before the king arrives. Look like thi innocent flower but be the serpents undertMacbeth False face must hide what the false heart doth know On conclusion I find that Macbeth was not entirely to blame for slaying his king, Duncan. The witches provided him with the initial idea of becoming king which in turn invoked him, combined with his persuasive and greedy wife. Shakespeare brilliantly conveys the Themes of deceit, treason and witchcraft through settings and the movements of characters. 3 ce.