Why Bad Things Happen To Weak People
Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are cast as maleficent characters who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, but they, like many others in the novel, are lead to their down fall by not only fate, but weakness. The first scenes of Shakespeare Macbeth introduce an innocent and amiable Macbeth, deemed worthy to assume the title of thane of Cawdor by his peers. In come the Weird sisters, who bestow onto Macbeth the information he uses to ruin his life.
Macbeth
(aside) Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme. (to ROSS and ANGUS) I thank you, gentlemen.
(aside) This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor.
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings.
The ultimate reason of Macbeth's murderous purge was not out of the coldness of his heart. but from the weakness of his character. Macbeth is certainly unsure of himself. During his self-discussion, he battles with the knowledge of knowing that the prophecy is to come true as the part crowning him thane already has, and with the pressing urge to kill a honest man. Whether it's an empty feeling or whatever Macbeth is missing to feel complete, all the good in his life will be tarnished by the upcoming horrid acts. Any man with a little strength and self-confidence would find the courage to push aside the haunting thoughts in light of all that he has already accomplished. Macbeth lacks the confidence necessary to continue on the path of glory, leading him to commit these harsh actions.
Lady Macbeth is undoubtably the stronger force in the Macbeth relationship, seeing as she pushes Macbeth to carry out the prophecy, but her forcefulness should not be mistaken for confidence in herself and her husband. Michael Gould’s stage production of Macbeth excellently portrays the ill effects bought on to Lady Macbeth as her flawed plan begets a flawed response. Act 5, Scene 1 titled “Out, damn spot” (2:05:45-2:09:00), shows the viewer what really results in her desires being played out. Though powerful in commanding her husband, her vulnerability shines through her sleepwalking, and in her REM-fueled speech slips out all her worries. Under her mask of power is a woman just as weak as her husband.
Macbeth and his wife are prime candidates to play the Witches victims because they lack the strength and the self-confidence to distinguish between what is conserved a justified act and what is going too far. Power hungry individuals should already feel satisfied with what they have already accomplished, such as becoming thane and wife. The strong-minded would have enough self-respect to realize that no amount of power would ever justify murder. It’s the weakness, not evil, that drives Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to do the unspeakable.
