Developments in Macbeth's language mirror the progress of his character, discuss.
In this essay I will discuss the progression and development of Macbeth's language and character through the play. Macbeth is a mighty and ambitious warrior who, except in his ambition, is noble by nature. He has a full knowledge of right and wrong and knows he has committed a great crime by murdering Duncan, but still his uncontrollable ambition drives him up until his death.
Near the beginning of the play the audience get their first glimpse out how determined and ambitious Macbeth is. Macbeth and Banquo are traveling across the moors after a tough battle. They come across three wild, witch-like women. Macbeth is shocked by their appearance but instantly takes a superior air, looking down on them, calling themwhat? instead ofwho?. He isn't referring to them as equal to him, or even human:.
?Speak, if you can: what are you??.
The witches reveal to Macbeth a prophecy, declaring that he will be Thane of Cawdor and then later, will be king. Macbeth is intrigued by this but at first is scornful and says that they are unintelligible:.
?Stay, you imperfect speakers?.
He believes that the Thane of Cawdor lives and announces that to be king is even more impossible. He does however, question the witches further, intrigued about their strange revelation, although he is still quite skeptical:.
?Say from whence you owe this strange intelligence??.
The witches shortly disappear, leaving Macbeth thoughtful and puzzled, wishing he could?ve questioned them further:.
?Would they had stayed!?.
The conversation between Macbeth and the witches shows the audience that he is quite a skeptical person, but he is also power-hungry and ambitious, able to imagine himself in positions of power. .
Ross and Angus enter the scene congratulating Macbeth over his courageous battle and then finally hailing him as Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is shocked, his mind on the witch's prophecy, and inquires:.
