James I of England and Macbeth free essay sample

Some say hes mad; others, that lesser hate him, Do call it valiant fury (Caithness: Act 5, Scene 2) Consider Macbeth as a gothic protagonist in the light of this comment. Although William Shakespeares Macbeth was written in a time before the introduction of the Gothic genre, it is fair to argue that he fits the role typically prescribed to Gothic protagonists. However, the question of whether he is mad or shows actions of valiant fury is a matter open to interpretation. Sickness and madness are common themes in Gothic texts, and it is arguable to suggest that as a Gothic protagonist, Macbeth is indeed driven to madness. Firstly, his repeated association with various supernatural elements in the play present him as being a character who is perhaps driven by his own mental manifestations; upon seeing a levitating dagger, Macbeth questions whether it is in fact a dagger of the mind, citing the possibility of his heat-oppressd brain being the factor behind this vision. We will write a custom essay sample on James I of England and Macbeth or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page However, while many Gothic protagonists are associated with elements of the supernatural, that is not to say that they are mad. For example, when Macbeth witnesses Banquos ghost Never shake thy gory locks at me! it is perhaps fairer to argue that the ghost is a manifestation of his own guilt as opposed to an outright madness which possessed Macbeth. Those who argue that Macbeth is mad may relate his madness back to the notion of Gothic protagonists possessing an all- consuming passion or goal which they are determined to reach. In Macbeths case, this desire is arguably his thirst for power and desire to kill the king. Some critics would refute this point, and argue that Macbeth does not harbour such a passion, and that it is the femme fatale-esque character of Lady Macbeth who taunts Macbeth ith demeaning rhetorical language such as Are you a man? and l would be ashamed to wear a heart so white; there is certainly evidence to suggest that Macbeths desire to be king does not lead to his madness, and that it is his wifes power that leads him to the first of many murderous acts. However, this interpretation may be too narrow in its analysis, and it is perfectly possible to argue that Macbeths inherent thirst for power is what leads to his madness. In act one scene four Macbeth expresses quiet dismay at Malcolms appointment as the Prince f Cumberland, referring to the obstacles in his path to glory as a step / On which I must fall down, or else oer-leap. In terms of structure, this scene occurs before Macbeth and Lady Macbeths onstage discussion, and suggests that Macbeths madness does indeed stem from the typical Gothic protagonist role as one who is driven to madness or inner conflict by an all-consuming passion. Furthermore, this passion is present even in Macbeths first meeting with the witches, where Banquo notes that Macbeth is rapt withal at the possibility that he shalt be king hereafter. Another typical feature of a Gothic protagonist is a high social rank, which noble Macbeth certainly adheres to. It may then be in his nature as a worthy warrior to strive for greatness and power; perhaps Macbeths actions are down to valiant fury after all. Shakespeares use of adjectives such as brave and worthy establish him as a nigh-ranking soldier betore ne is even introduced; this ot course contrasts witn the language used to describe him later, where demonic imagery such as referring to him as a hell-hound and something wicked associates him with inherent evil. In act one scene two, the Captain describes Macbeths fearlessness and fury on the battlefield, describing how Macbeth ran his sword from his nave tthe chops in what is considered an act of bravery. This may lead to the assertion that Macbeth is not mad after all, and that the nature of his character is far more likely to succumb to valiant fury, since he is a warrior and, as already mentioned, has the will to kill the king harbouring within him as soon as he hears the witches prophecy. However, the word valiant suggests a sense of honour and dignity surrounding Macbeths tyrannical reign. Macbeths actions may have been valiant, had King Duncan been a cruel and oppressive king. However, Shakespeare presented Duncan as a kind and virtuous character, perhaps to appease King James l, who was the king at the time of writing and admired Shakespeares work. The fact that Macbeth murders the king is already contrary to the divine right of kings at the time, but the fact that the king was virtuous allowed for little interpretation calling Macbeth valiant. Furthermore, Macbeths duplicitous nature in the play sets him aside as a haracter who does not possess valiant fury at all. He openly lies to Banquo, his trusted friend, by replying with l think not of them when questioned about the witches, and after Duncans body is found he delivers a melodramatic and duplicitous monologue expressing his professed grief. The fact that Macbeth is called noble and is described indirectly as a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust directly contrasts with his duplicitous and cunning nature. This contrast is perhaps best explained as the extremes of Macbeths behaviour as a character, a eature typical of Gothic protagonists. Most Gothic protagonists are caught in a dilemma or inner conflict, which often leads to extremes of behaviour. In Macbeths case, it is as though he is aware of his own actions and cannot even say the word murder, instead making use of euphemisms such as this bloody business, yet he is also flippant in certain orders, such as the request that Macduffs wife and babes should be killed. Therefore, considering his conflicting and deceptive nature, it is indeed possible to refer to Macbeths actions as fury rather than madness.