I have this liking for Shakespeare's works even though the words are primeval and require a good amount of wit to grasp. Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's plays that reflects several characteristics of the Elizabethan and society in terms of subject matter, thematic preoccupation and characterisation.
The play is set in Scotland and the first character the reader encounters are largely responsible for the tragic events that culminate the tragedy that the play explores.
Possible Spoilers Ahead
As the play opens, Macbeth in company with Banquo is seen returning from a conquest in a gay mood but their mood contrasts with the general atmosphere of their environment which is somber and foreboding. Macbeth happens to be a fine gentleman, a worthy Scotlord and a valiant military officer. Their rumination (Macbeth and Banquo) on their victory was interrupted by the sight of three strange characters who accursed them and gave them warm greetings but these greetings embody ominous sentiments that will ultimately spell down for Macbeth in particular.
The characters who are described as witches elevate Macbeth beyond his present status by addressing him as the Dame of Cawdor. They also elevate Banquo by their greetings. Whereas Banquo takes their greetings for granted, Macbeth does so initially but later contemplates the impulse of that elevation.
Mentioning the elevation he received which is both prophetic and ominous to his wife, results in further contemplation of the possible realization and actualization of the prophecy embodied in the greeting.
A combination of Macbeth's ambition is belief in the prophecy and above all, the consistent nagging and cajoling of his wife leads him to act on the prophecy. However, actualizing that prophecy means that the incumbent King, Duncan, would either abdicate the throne or be forced to do so.
Through the tutoring of his wife, Lady Macbeth, king Duncan was invited to a feast in Macbeth's house, austensibly to celebrate the victory but the real intent was to assassinate him. Macbeth is lethargic about the plan to assassinate the king for three reasons. One is that the king is his cousin, two is that it runs foul of the moral cosmos of Elizabethan society and three, he was playing host to the king.
Despite these reasons however, Macbeth and his wife go on with the plan but, Macbeth develops cold feet at the last minute and returns to his wife again. Lady Macbeth immediately undertakes to execute the job.
My review:
One thing I love about Shakespeare's works is how realistic his characters are. These characters are well developed and their actions and dialogues reveal to the reader what kind of character they really are. In the case of Lady Macbeth, it is evident that she's a woman who'd journey a thousand miles to get whatever it is she wants without fear. In many scenes of the play this is evident when she prays with Macbeth before carrying out their plan. She says "Amen" without an iota of guilt but Macbeth's Amen is heavy and he expresses how heavy it was in his heart, talk more of saying it out loud.
A general overview of the play would show that despite Macbeth's crimes, he is not completely evil. His tragedy resolves from a combination of factors, some internal, others external. For example, his fine disposition towards the King even recalling the king's goodness to him. As well as his hesitation to murder the king is a testimony to his good nature. Again, his admission of his guilt in act 2, scene 2 is evidence of a living conscience.
This literary work was worth my read and it may be worth yours. It is entertaining, dramatic, well crafted and true to life.