Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth
“This...butcher and his fiend-like queen” is not a fair assessment of the characters Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Macbeth cannot be labelled a “butcher” although Lady Macbeth is a “fiend like-queen”. Language techniques reveal thematic concerns involving the antithetical concepts of good and evil. Outside influences guide Macbeth to succumb to a flaw of ambition although his conscience signifies his regret to murder. Lady Macbeth’s actions signify a strong woman who strives for success committing evil deeds throughout the process. Thus, Macbeth cannot be labelled a “butcher” while Lady Macbeth is a “fiend like-queen”.

Macbeth’s loyalty falters due to outside influences and succumbs to a flaw of ambition. Metaphors are used to describe Macbeth’s emotions using visuals, shown during Act I, scene VII–
“I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself
And falls on th’other.”
This quote emphasises that ambition is exploiting a weak Macbeth destroying his sense of judgement. Dramatic irony is created following a prophecy where the audience is more aware of the situation than the surrounding characters. An example of a prophecy is shown during Act I Scene III:
All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor
This quote emphasises that the evil sisters (witches) infected Macbeth with disturbing ideas through their premonitions. Macbeth fails to continue following his values; instead he begins to consider the result of the premonitions. Macbeth’s strength and masculinity is compromised through Lady Macbeth’s eyes. Macbeth commits crimes and murders as he struggles to keep his warrior image. This is further known as Macbeth’s flaw of ambition. Therefore, Macbeth is not a butcher although succumbs to a flaw of ambitions while Lady Macbeth’s influence proves her evil qualities, hence she is a fiend like-queen.

Macbeth is a weak human being who becomes influenced by his success driven...