Page 100 - DENG403_BRITISH_DRAMA

British Drama

Notes the murder image, which thoroughly defies his loyalty. There is love in Macbeth as shown by his
letter to Lady Macbeth in which he calls her his “dearest partner of greatness.” Macbeth is already
thinking about being king but he is undecided about whether it is better to succumb to the temptation
presented by the witches or to wait for Fate to crown him. Banquo warns him that at times evil
forces “tell us truths . . . to betray’s in deepest consequence.” Other characters also suit to their
actions. For the strong character appeal the play has attracted some of the greatest actors in the roles
of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. It has been adapted to film, television, opera, novels, comic books,
and other media.
Here in this unit detail characterization of the play has been given. Detailed analysis of Macbeth
and superstitions of various characters have also been dealt with in this unit.

7.1 Characterization

Duncan, King of Scotland
A kindly and trusting older man, Duncan’s unsuspecting nature leaves him open to Macbeth’s
betrayal. Both before and after the regicide, it is Duncan’s particularly virtuous nature that enhances
Macbeth’s sense of guilt. The historic Duncan, incidentally, was a young man when he was betrayed
by his general Macbeth.

Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan’s Sons
Although Malcolm and Donalbain seem to have inherited Duncan’s fairness, both display a cunning
that far surpasses their father. After Duncan’s death, they fear for their lives rightly and both flee
Scotland. Malcolm also tests Macduff’s loyalty whilst abroad by putting on dishonorable and corrupt
airs. Such cunning, or shrewdness, allows for their successful return to the crown of Scotland.

Macbeth, Thane of Glamis
Macbeth is a general in the king’s army and originally the Thane of Glamis. As a reward for his
valiant fighting, described in the opening scene, Macbeth is also named the Thane of Cawdor.
Appropriately, the former Thane of Cawdor was a traitor to the crown who appeared loyal. At
heart, Macbeth does not deserve the adjective “evil.” To be sure, he commits regicide and eventually
orders the death of women and children alike.

Unlike Iago of Othello or Edmund of King Lear, Macbeth is not an explicitly malicious
villain. His initial crime is a product of opportunistic prophecies, a weakness of character, his
“vaulting ambition,” and certainly the influence of Lady Macbeth. Thereafter, he is compelled
to commit further crimes in an attempt to cover his tracks and defy the three witches’ prophecy.
After Duncan’s death and the flight of Malcolm and Donalbain, Macbeth reigns as king of
Scotland until his death.

Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s Wife
What Macbeth lacks in decisiveness, Lady Macbeth makes up for in bloodthirsty lust for power and
wealth. Swearing off her femininity at the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth manipulates her
husband powerfully to follow through with his plans to kill Duncan. After the act of regicide, it is
Lady Macbeth who has the soundness of mind to plant the incriminating evidence on Duncan’s
guards. And yet, her firmness disintegrates gradually as the play progresses, leading to nightmares
that haunt her and ultimately drive her to suicide. In this regard, Lady Macbeth appears to switch

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