Macbeth: Macbeth: Goodness Knows the Wickeds’ Goodness Knows the Wickeds’

Lives Are Lonely…Lives Are Lonely…

FeracoFeraco

Search for Human PotentialSearch for Human Potential

18 November 201418 November 2014

Macbeth’sMacbeth’s fourth act begins with the fourth act begins with the material that earned it a long ban from its material that earned it a long ban from its target audience – some “genuine” witch target audience – some “genuine” witch chants as the Weïrd Sisters mix up the chants as the Weïrd Sisters mix up the potion for their charm. potion for their charm.

The “Double, double” sequence is The “Double, double” sequence is probably probably Macbeth’s Macbeth’s most widely-most widely-recognized, but for mostly shallow recognized, but for mostly shallow reasons (apparently, it’s fun to sing reasons (apparently, it’s fun to sing rhymes while dancing around a cauldron). rhymes while dancing around a cauldron).

By this point, you’ve seen By this point, you’ve seen Shakespeare slide extra meaning in and Shakespeare slide extra meaning in and around around Macbeth’s Macbeth’s edges often enough to edges often enough to recognize that the “Fair is foul” doubling recognize that the “Fair is foul” doubling motif appears again in the chants. motif appears again in the chants.

There’s also some very specific, There’s also some very specific, unsettling imagery here: most of what’s unsettling imagery here: most of what’s being tossed in the pot is either swollen being tossed in the pot is either swollen with venom, representative of sin (pieces with venom, representative of sin (pieces of blasphemers, things claimed under of blasphemers, things claimed under cover of darkness or eclipse, etc.), or cover of darkness or eclipse, etc.), or dismembered parts of babies (the owlet’s dismembered parts of babies (the owlet’s wing and the finger of a child who was wing and the finger of a child who was born in a ditch and subsequently born in a ditch and subsequently strangled – how is unclear). strangled – how is unclear).

I point out the specificity of what I point out the specificity of what seems like babble because, as you can seems like babble because, as you can clearly see, the witches are mixing things clearly see, the witches are mixing things that pertain to Macbeth himself.that pertain to Macbeth himself.

Everything from shattered newborns Everything from shattered newborns to darkness and poison (the guard’s to darkness and poison (the guard’s drinks, trust as venom, etc.) reflects him drinks, trust as venom, etc.) reflects him somehow. somehow.

But the Sisters can’t finish But the Sisters can’t finish before Macbeth arrives. before Macbeth arrives.

When he asks them what When he asks them what they’re doing, they reply – in they’re doing, they reply – in perfect unison – that their deed perfect unison – that their deed has no name.has no name.

(Here, the thing to notice is (Here, the thing to notice is not merely that Macbeth himself not merely that Macbeth himself has committed foul, nameless has committed foul, nameless deeds, but that the three respond deeds, but that the three respond to him in unison; we’ll study this in to him in unison; we’ll study this in far greater detail later.) far greater detail later.)

And what follows, of course, And what follows, of course, mustmust happen: Macbeth has not learned the lesson happen: Macbeth has not learned the lesson Banquo’s fatal mistake should have taught Banquo’s fatal mistake should have taught him, which is that one should be careful when him, which is that one should be careful when demanding – wishing for – something. demanding – wishing for – something.

He demands knowledge that is not He demands knowledge that is not rightfully his, seeking to gain advantage over rightfully his, seeking to gain advantage over a future that’s much larger and more a future that’s much larger and more complicated than he can understand. complicated than he can understand.

What he gets What he gets isis knowledge, but it’s knowledge, but it’s paired with some truly fatal, bloody paired with some truly fatal, bloody misconceptions: misconceptions: Siddhartha Siddhartha taught us that taught us that wisdom only comes from experience and wisdom only comes from experience and understanding, not from blindly following or understanding, not from blindly following or trusting in the words of others, and that trusting in the words of others, and that lesson’s rarely more applicable than it is lesson’s rarely more applicable than it is here. here.

With the addition of a filicidal With the addition of a filicidal sow’s blood (shades of Lady sow’s blood (shades of Lady Macbeth’s “baby-dashing” line here) Macbeth’s “baby-dashing” line here) and the sweat and grease that fell and the sweat and grease that fell from hanged murderers’ foreheads, from hanged murderers’ foreheads, an “Armed Head” rises from the an “Armed Head” rises from the cauldron.cauldron.

““Armed” should not be taken Armed” should not be taken literally here, at least not in its literally here, at least not in its primary sense: Shakespeare is primary sense: Shakespeare is describing a head clad in a helmet or describing a head clad in a helmet or armor, not a bunch of arms sticking armor, not a bunch of arms sticking out of places where they don’t out of places where they don’t belong. belong.

It tells Macbeth exactly what he It tells Macbeth exactly what he expects to hear: that he must expects to hear: that he must beware Macduff, the Thane of Fife. beware Macduff, the Thane of Fife.

One should notice that the king, One should notice that the king, far from his throne, is powerless far from his throne, is powerless during the encounter: he is told to during the encounter: he is told to keep silent, as the apparition can keep silent, as the apparition can sense his thoughts, and it ignores sense his thoughts, and it ignores his request for more knowledge.his request for more knowledge.

As the first Sister bluntly tells As the first Sister bluntly tells him, the Head “will not be him, the Head “will not be commanded.” commanded.”

And unfortunately for Macbeth, And unfortunately for Macbeth, this powerlessness isn’t a sufficient this powerlessness isn’t a sufficient warning to be on guard against warning to be on guard against arrogance (i.e., an unwarranted arrogance (i.e., an unwarranted belief in one’s power or superiority). belief in one’s power or superiority).

He hasn’t struck us as a He hasn’t struck us as a particularly proud person before – particularly proud person before – Lady Macbeth’s interactions with Lady Macbeth’s interactions with him seem to have guaranteed that – him seem to have guaranteed that – but his hubris (self-destructive but his hubris (self-destructive arrogance) gets the better of him arrogance) gets the better of him here. here.

No sooner does the Head finish No sooner does the Head finish its spiel than a child, covered with its spiel than a child, covered with blood (a chilling image), rises in its blood (a chilling image), rises in its place. place.

When it tells him to be “bloody, When it tells him to be “bloody, bold, and resolute,” it’s not just bold, and resolute,” it’s not just repeating my favorite SFHP advice. repeating my favorite SFHP advice.

It’s telling Macbeth that he can It’s telling Macbeth that he can act decisively, for “none of woman act decisively, for “none of woman born” (no one born “naturally”) can born” (no one born “naturally”) can hurt him. hurt him.

Macbeth, of course, takes this to Macbeth, of course, takes this to mean that he can safely disregard mean that he can safely disregard the Head’s warnings – for isn’t the Head’s warnings – for isn’t Macduff, like all men, “of woman Macduff, like all men, “of woman born”? born”?

(Actually…) (Actually…)

Just to be safe, however, Just to be safe, however, Macbeth decides to have him killed Macbeth decides to have him killed anyway.anyway.

At that point, he believes, he’ll At that point, he believes, he’ll be so secure that he’ll be able to be so secure that he’ll be able to “sleep through thunder.” “sleep through thunder.”

Shakespeare does something Shakespeare does something interesting with his examination of interesting with his examination of security here. security here.

Remember, it’s trust in others Remember, it’s trust in others that destroys Duncan and, to a that destroys Duncan and, to a lesser extent, Banquo. lesser extent, Banquo.

But their downfalls also stem But their downfalls also stem from something else. from something else.

The man who’s most vulnerable The man who’s most vulnerable to a threat is the one who believes to a threat is the one who believes he can’t possibly be harmed by it. he can’t possibly be harmed by it.

Duncan foolishly believes that he’s Duncan foolishly believes that he’s safe, that, with the revolt crushed and his safe, that, with the revolt crushed and his guards at the ready, no one can hurt him. guards at the ready, no one can hurt him. (After all, isn’t he king?) (After all, isn’t he king?)

Banquo fails to consider that Macbeth Banquo fails to consider that Macbeth could want to kill him, even though could want to kill him, even though he’s he’s already killed thanks to the prophecy – already killed thanks to the prophecy – and it’s not like Macbeth wasn’t listening and it’s not like Macbeth wasn’t listening when Banquo heard his own prophecy. when Banquo heard his own prophecy.

But he, too, believes he’s But he, too, believes he’s untouchable, at least by his best friend. untouchable, at least by his best friend.

So Duncan lets his guards drink at the So Duncan lets his guards drink at the home of the replacement from his home of the replacement from his corrupted advisor, and Banquo rides by corrupted advisor, and Banquo rides by torchlight through darkness with the torchlight through darkness with the figure Macbeth would most want figure Macbeth would most want destroyed. destroyed.

Both actions reek of hubris – the Both actions reek of hubris – the choices of men who foolishly believe that choices of men who foolishly believe that bad things aren’t going to happen to bad things aren’t going to happen to them, even though Shakespeare has them, even though Shakespeare has shown us plenty of reasons for both men shown us plenty of reasons for both men to have their guards up. to have their guards up.

It’s that very same mistake – nothing It’s that very same mistake – nothing bad can happen to me! – that Macbeth bad can happen to me! – that Macbeth makes here. makes here.

By hearing that “none of woman born By hearing that “none of woman born can harm him,” he makes a leap can harm him,” he makes a leap (particularly later in the play) to “I can’t (particularly later in the play) to “I can’t be harmed.” be harmed.”

This simply isn’t true.This simply isn’t true.

On some level, he must know On some level, he must know this; otherwise, there’s literally no this; otherwise, there’s literally no reason to kill Macduff. reason to kill Macduff.

But Macbeth’s so desperate for But Macbeth’s so desperate for comfort – the real reason he’s sought comfort – the real reason he’s sought out the witches, for there’s out the witches, for there’s obviously security in certainty – that obviously security in certainty – that he’ll happily make that leap. he’ll happily make that leap.

Anything for the possibility of Anything for the possibility of sleeping again, of feeling human sleeping again, of feeling human again. again.

Then – just as he’s started to virtually Then – just as he’s started to virtually cackle with glee over the nearness of his cackle with glee over the nearness of his victory – a child wearing a crown rises from the victory – a child wearing a crown rises from the cauldron. cauldron.

It is perhaps the single most powerful It is perhaps the single most powerful image one could show Macbeth, so he pays image one could show Macbeth, so he pays attention. attention.

The child holds a tree for some reason…an The child holds a tree for some reason…an important reason, as it so happens: it tells him important reason, as it so happens: it tells him that he cannot be beaten until Birnam Wood (a that he cannot be beaten until Birnam Wood (a forest) marches against him at Dunsinane (the forest) marches against him at Dunsinane (the location of Duncan’s / Macbeth’s castle). location of Duncan’s / Macbeth’s castle).

Somewhat justifiably, Macbeth is a bit Somewhat justifiably, Macbeth is a bit perplexed by the prophecy (walking trees??), perplexed by the prophecy (walking trees??), even as it cements his newfound feelings of even as it cements his newfound feelings of certainty: certainty: if the only one who can defeat me is if the only one who can defeat me is someone who isn’t “of woman born,” and they someone who isn’t “of woman born,” and they can only beat me after a bunch of trees start can only beat me after a bunch of trees start walking toward my castle, aren’t you just walking toward my castle, aren’t you just telling me I can’t lose?telling me I can’t lose?

Yet Macbeth, flush with triumph, Yet Macbeth, flush with triumph, must know more must know more stillstill. .

There’s one point the three There’s one point the three apparitions didn’t mention: what will apparitions didn’t mention: what will happen with Banquo’s line. happen with Banquo’s line.

The witches warn him, The witches warn him, unambiguously: unambiguously: Seek to learn no Seek to learn no more.more.

And Macbeth, equally And Macbeth, equally unambiguously, replies: unambiguously, replies: I will be I will be satisfied.satisfied.

That’s a demand, not a That’s a demand, not a statement of satisfaction.statement of satisfaction.

He threatens to curse the witches, He threatens to curse the witches, which is not only incredibly foolhardy – which is not only incredibly foolhardy – thesethese are the people you plan to are the people you plan to antagonize? – but also uncomfortably antagonize? – but also uncomfortably reminiscent of Banquo’s fatal, fateful reminiscent of Banquo’s fatal, fateful words to them during Act I.words to them during Act I.

Banquo said, “[I] neither beg nor fear Banquo said, “[I] neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate.”your favours nor your hate.”

Clearly, he should have.Clearly, he should have. But Macbeth repeats his mistake, the But Macbeth repeats his mistake, the

cauldron immediately sinks, and as the air cauldron immediately sinks, and as the air fills with trumpeters heralding something, fills with trumpeters heralding something, the Sisters say (in unison): the Sisters say (in unison): Show his eyes, Show his eyes, and grieve his heart; come like shadows, and grieve his heart; come like shadows, so depart.so depart.

Eight kings appear, with the eighth Eight kings appear, with the eighth holding a mirror. holding a mirror.

They’re clearly not related to Macbeth, They’re clearly not related to Macbeth, who flies into a rage, screaming at each of the who flies into a rage, screaming at each of the kings who walks past him, then at the witches.kings who walks past him, then at the witches.

Then the eighth king reaches him and Then the eighth king reaches him and shows him an even more terrible sight in the shows him an even more terrible sight in the depths of its mirror: a seemingly endless line depths of its mirror: a seemingly endless line that follows the eight in front of him, with some that follows the eight in front of him, with some of the new ones wearing crowns signifying the of the new ones wearing crowns signifying the unification of two kingdoms.unification of two kingdoms.

This, of course, represents the joining of This, of course, represents the joining of Scotland and England; Shakespeare’s just Scotland and England; Shakespeare’s just nakedly pandering to King James I at this point, nakedly pandering to King James I at this point, whom he probably feared would be sleeping. whom he probably feared would be sleeping.

And all the while, the bloodied ghost of And all the while, the bloodied ghost of Banquo smiles at Macbeth from the back of the Banquo smiles at Macbeth from the back of the line of eight kings, pointing at them silently: line of eight kings, pointing at them silently: They’re mine.They’re mine.

As Macbeth gapes, disbelievingly, at As Macbeth gapes, disbelievingly, at the apparitions, his worst nightmare given the apparitions, his worst nightmare given almost fleshy form, one Sister asks him almost fleshy form, one Sister asks him why he looks surprised. why he looks surprised.

Didn’t he always know this was so? Didn’t he always know this was so?

Didn’t he always know this would be Didn’t he always know this would be his fate? his fate?

Have the Sisters ever lied? Have the Sisters ever lied?

Have they ever been wrong? Have they ever been wrong?

The Sisters dance, laughingly, telling The Sisters dance, laughingly, telling Macbeth that he can now say they gave Macbeth that he can now say they gave him what he came for. him what he came for.

Then they disappear…never to return. Then they disappear…never to return.

Lennox arrives to tell him of Lennox arrives to tell him of Macduff’s departure (previously Macduff’s departure (previously mentioned in Act III, Scene VI), and in his mentioned in Act III, Scene VI), and in his new state of disequilibrium, Macbeth new state of disequilibrium, Macbeth lapses into a truly sick soliloquy: he lapses into a truly sick soliloquy: he resolves to arrange an invasion for resolves to arrange an invasion for Macduff’s castle in Fife and have Macduff’s castle in Fife and have everyoneeveryone inside it murdered, including his wife and inside it murdered, including his wife and children. children.

Macbeth, like any wounded animal, is Macbeth, like any wounded animal, is now more dangerous than he would now more dangerous than he would otherwise be, simultaneously convinced otherwise be, simultaneously convinced that he can’t lose and terrified that his that he can’t lose and terrified that his defeat is inevitable.defeat is inevitable.

The only course of action for The only course of action for him, then, is to eliminate every him, then, is to eliminate every threat he faces, one by one. threat he faces, one by one.

While Lady Macbeth is busy While Lady Macbeth is busy wrestling with her guilt, Macbeth has wrestling with her guilt, Macbeth has resolved to murder his opponents resolved to murder his opponents until there’s no one left to kill; until there’s no one left to kill; they’ve essentially swapped moral they’ve essentially swapped moral compasses, and their needles are compasses, and their needles are spinning too wildly to save either spinning too wildly to save either one of them.one of them.

The terrible thing, however, is that The terrible thing, however, is that Macbeth keeps killing people a) by proxy, Macbeth keeps killing people a) by proxy, b) attacking victims when they’re at their b) attacking victims when they’re at their most vulnerable (he’s always had an eye most vulnerable (he’s always had an eye for an opponent’s soft spot, just as Lady for an opponent’s soft spot, just as Lady Macbeth does: Macdonwald’s unzipping Macbeth does: Macdonwald’s unzipping starts and ends at his softest points), and starts and ends at his softest points), and c) picking people who don’t know he’s c) picking people who don’t know he’s coming for them. coming for them.

Fleance survived either by chance or Fleance survived either by chance or by fate, but no one else is that lucky. by fate, but no one else is that lucky.

The people he kills aren’t even the The people he kills aren’t even the ones who truly threaten him (Malcolm, ones who truly threaten him (Malcolm, Macduff, perhaps Fleance). Macduff, perhaps Fleance).

They’re people related to those They’re people related to those threats, and their deaths – if we’re being threats, and their deaths – if we’re being realistic – only serve to harden the others’ realistic – only serve to harden the others’ opposition to Macbeth. opposition to Macbeth.

Notice, however, that these Notice, however, that these “misdirected” killings aren’t “misdirected” killings aren’t accidental. accidental.

Macbeth knows full well that Macbeth knows full well that Macduff isn’t in his castle. Macduff isn’t in his castle.

The The onlyonly thing he can accomplish thing he can accomplish is the slaughter of Macduff’s family – is the slaughter of Macduff’s family – notably, a group of people that notably, a group of people that poses no threat to him, has never poses no threat to him, has never been predicted to pose a threat to been predicted to pose a threat to him, and does not stand in the way him, and does not stand in the way of his ambitions. of his ambitions.

One could argue that Macbeth One could argue that Macbeth has only killed at this point because has only killed at this point because he “must”: Duncan’s death he “must”: Duncan’s death represented the fulfillment of represented the fulfillment of prophecy, whereas Banquo’s killing prophecy, whereas Banquo’s killing was an attempt to thwart it. was an attempt to thwart it.

These latest murders would be These latest murders would be voluntary, unprovoked, unnecessary. voluntary, unprovoked, unnecessary.

Macbeth sends his murderers Macbeth sends his murderers anyway. anyway.

And in one of those “dramatic irony” And in one of those “dramatic irony” sequences that Shakespeare revels in – sequences that Shakespeare revels in – the audience knows what’s coming, but the audience knows what’s coming, but the characters don’t – we’re introduced to the characters don’t – we’re introduced to Lady Macduff as she’s bemoaning her Lady Macduff as she’s bemoaning her husband’s decision to leave for England. husband’s decision to leave for England.

Macbeth listened to his wife; Macduff Macbeth listened to his wife; Macduff overruledoverruled his. his.

By departing, he’s left his castle – and By departing, he’s left his castle – and his family – defenseless. his family – defenseless.

The Porter’s line about admitting The Porter’s line about admitting those whose choices lead them to Hell those whose choices lead them to Hell takes on terrible significance here.takes on terrible significance here.

Lady Macduff isn’t stupid: she knows why Lady Macduff isn’t stupid: she knows why Macduff has gone. Macduff has gone.

But she also recognizes that Macduff’s But she also recognizes that Macduff’s made enemies, powerful ones, and she rightly made enemies, powerful ones, and she rightly fears for her safety. fears for her safety.

In a tragic parallel to Lady Macbeth’s words, In a tragic parallel to Lady Macbeth’s words, she questions what kind of man her husband is – she questions what kind of man her husband is – not due to his capacity (or lack thereof) for not due to his capacity (or lack thereof) for murder, but for “wanting the natural touch” murder, but for “wanting the natural touch” (lacking the natural instincts that should drive (lacking the natural instincts that should drive every parent). every parent).

Where are his priorities?Where are his priorities? she wonders. she wonders. ““The poor wren, the most diminutive of The poor wren, the most diminutive of

birds, will fight, her young ones in her nest, birds, will fight, her young ones in her nest, against the owl.” against the owl.”

All is the fear and nothing is the love.All is the fear and nothing is the love. In our time of need, our In our time of need, our manman has left us has left us

alone. alone.

Both Lady Macbeth and Lady Both Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff demand that their husbands Macduff demand that their husbands make decisions that not only take make decisions that not only take them and their needs into them and their needs into consideration, but prioritize them – consideration, but prioritize them – that the needs of family outweigh all that the needs of family outweigh all other demands. other demands.

Macbeth, for better or worse, Macbeth, for better or worse, comes to see his primary comes to see his primary responsibilities as a) his own needs responsibilities as a) his own needs and b) his wife’s needs. and b) his wife’s needs.

Macduff doesn’t…and he will pay Macduff doesn’t…and he will pay a terrible price.a terrible price.

Ross tells Lady Macduff to be patient Ross tells Lady Macduff to be patient – that the times they live in are dangerous – that the times they live in are dangerous indeed, but their unpredictability has indeed, but their unpredictability has caused her husband to choose his current caused her husband to choose his current course. course.

Macduff is doing what he does for the Macduff is doing what he does for the greater good; nothing would make him greater good; nothing would make him happier than simply staying at home by happier than simply staying at home by their side, with the people he’s most their side, with the people he’s most personally devoted to, but others need personally devoted to, but others need him to do more. him to do more.

Macduff’s wife will have none of it; Macduff’s wife will have none of it; she tells her son that his father’s forsaken she tells her son that his father’s forsaken them, and that his father is therefore them, and that his father is therefore dead. dead.

Shakespeare then lets the son and Shakespeare then lets the son and mother engage in an odd, witty repartee, mother engage in an odd, witty repartee, and it’s a truly sick scene: we and it’s a truly sick scene: we knowknow they’re about to be cut down like animals they’re about to be cut down like animals in their own home, and they’re sitting in their own home, and they’re sitting there joking with each other. there joking with each other.

We can’t laugh at anything they’re We can’t laugh at anything they’re saying because we’re bracing for the saying because we’re bracing for the inevitable, as unable to control the events inevitable, as unable to control the events we’re watching as Macbeth is to control we’re watching as Macbeth is to control what the prophecies spelled out. what the prophecies spelled out.

We’re suddenly aware of how the We’re suddenly aware of how the characters, on so many different levels, characters, on so many different levels, feel: helpless and out of control, with our feel: helpless and out of control, with our dread of what we know amplifying our dread of what we know amplifying our fears. fears.

And as the son makes his last joke – And as the son makes his last joke – that if the “liars and swearers” are to be that if the “liars and swearers” are to be killed by the honest men, they’re idiots, for killed by the honest men, they’re idiots, for there are far more liars than honest men – a there are far more liars than honest men – a messenger arrives, frantically urges her to messenger arrives, frantically urges her to run far away with her children, and flees. run far away with her children, and flees.

Before she can react, the murderers Before she can react, the murderers arrive, and – in one of the most jarring arrive, and – in one of the most jarring moments Shakespeare’s ever put on stage – moments Shakespeare’s ever put on stage – stab her son to death in front of her. stab her son to death in front of her.

The boy pleads with his last breath for The boy pleads with his last breath for his mother to flee – a reversal of Banquo’s his mother to flee – a reversal of Banquo’s death (where the parent tries to spare the death (where the parent tries to spare the child), and a futile attempt, as the child), and a futile attempt, as the murderers chase his mother offstage and murderers chase his mother offstage and cut her down. cut her down.

The earlier killings in The earlier killings in MacbethMacbeth either happened offstage or under either happened offstage or under deep cover of darkness. deep cover of darkness.

With the death of Macduff’s With the death of Macduff’s family – with the onstage family – with the onstage slaughter of a child – slaughter of a child – Shakespeare’s shoving the Shakespeare’s shoving the ugliness of murder directly in the ugliness of murder directly in the audience’s faces. audience’s faces.

This isn’t entertainment: it’s This isn’t entertainment: it’s butchery, loud and messy and butchery, loud and messy and close. close.

Don’t underestimate how horrible this Don’t underestimate how horrible this crime is. crime is.

It’s not just the murder of an innocent It’s not just the murder of an innocent family. family.

Macbeth, of all people, should Macbeth, of all people, should understand what he’s doing to Macduff: understand what he’s doing to Macduff: he’s he’s annihilating his entire line. annihilating his entire line.

The term “one fell swoop” comes from The term “one fell swoop” comes from Macduff’s reaction to the news that Macduff’s reaction to the news that Macbeth’s attacked his castle (“fell” means Macbeth’s attacked his castle (“fell” means foul, vile, wicked, tainted, or evil): with one foul, vile, wicked, tainted, or evil): with one stroke, Macbeth has killed “all [his] pretty stroke, Macbeth has killed “all [his] pretty ones,” the very people he should have ones,” the very people he should have protected, the people who made his life protected, the people who made his life meaningful. meaningful.

He may still be alive, but Macbeth, in his He may still be alive, but Macbeth, in his cowardice, has gone behind his back and cowardice, has gone behind his back and robbed him of all that once made him whole. robbed him of all that once made him whole.

I’ve mentioned the role isolation I’ve mentioned the role isolation plays in the play, and how terrible people plays in the play, and how terrible people feel – and how terribly they act and decide feel – and how terribly they act and decide – when they’re alone. – when they’re alone.

Yes, it’s true that we only get a sense Yes, it’s true that we only get a sense of who Macbeth “really” is when he’s in of who Macbeth “really” is when he’s in soliloquy mode. soliloquy mode.

But how lonely is that existence? But how lonely is that existence? To have absolutely nobody who truly To have absolutely nobody who truly

understands you? understands you? Nobody who you truly understand? Nobody who you truly understand? Nature abhors a vacuum, and Nature abhors a vacuum, and

involuntary isolation is a roaring vacuum involuntary isolation is a roaring vacuum for the soul; human beings will often go to for the soul; human beings will often go to desperate lengths to fill that vacuum. desperate lengths to fill that vacuum.

I asked you to notice that I asked you to notice that Shakespeare unifies the witches, Shakespeare unifies the witches, giving them the very power Macbeth giving them the very power Macbeth lacks: the power of numbers, the lacks: the power of numbers, the support of multiplicity. support of multiplicity.

Entire schools of religious Entire schools of religious thought center themselves around thought center themselves around polytheism – a god for every cause. polytheism – a god for every cause.

Even the monotheistic Even the monotheistic Christianity attests to the power of Christianity attests to the power of the Holy Trinity. the Holy Trinity.

Societies, families, relationships Societies, families, relationships – all stem from the fundamental – all stem from the fundamental belief in power and improvement via belief in power and improvement via company. company.

So while a single witch can be a So while a single witch can be a memorable character in a play – memorable character in a play – we’ve seen soothsayers and oracles we’ve seen soothsayers and oracles sharing prophecies since the Greek sharing prophecies since the Greek plays hit the stage – we remember plays hit the stage – we remember Shakespeare’s bizarre, disfigured Shakespeare’s bizarre, disfigured Unholy Trinity because their impact Unholy Trinity because their impact on us does uneasy things to our on us does uneasy things to our psyches. psyches.

For it’s not simply that the For it’s not simply that the witches seem to know the future, but witches seem to know the future, but that they seem somehow more than that they seem somehow more than human – not better, yet still more human – not better, yet still more powerful, transcending our powerful, transcending our limitations. limitations.

In their numbers, their In their numbers, their synchronicity of purpose and word, synchronicity of purpose and word, this nameless pack of cackling hags this nameless pack of cackling hags seems representative of something so seems representative of something so powerful as to be alien to us, powerful as to be alien to us, impossible to understand. impossible to understand.

They are recognizable – women? – They are recognizable – women? – and yet not. and yet not.

It’s almost as though our minds, It’s almost as though our minds, being baffled by their true nature, being baffled by their true nature, perceives them in a way that kind of perceives them in a way that kind of makes sense – like trying to capture a makes sense – like trying to capture a concept like Fate or God with a three-concept like Fate or God with a three-or-four-letter word – but ultimately or-four-letter word – but ultimately fails to represent them. fails to represent them.

We can’t fully understand them, We can’t fully understand them, and when we try – especially when we and when we try – especially when we try to make them serve us – the try to make them serve us – the attempt leaves us feeling powerless, attempt leaves us feeling powerless, grasping onto anything we can to feel grasping onto anything we can to feel some control. some control.

Contrast this with Macbeth, who’s either Contrast this with Macbeth, who’s either killing off his friends or fighting with his wife, the killing off his friends or fighting with his wife, the holder of a barren scepter and an empty line, holder of a barren scepter and an empty line, under threat from the sons of both his victims – under threat from the sons of both his victims – in other words, impossibly, irreversibly alone. in other words, impossibly, irreversibly alone.

It is the power of numbers that threatens It is the power of numbers that threatens him, the lone, solitary figure screaming him, the lone, solitary figure screaming impotently as the specter of Banquo’s endless impotently as the specter of Banquo’s endless line marches before him, dooming him and his line marches before him, dooming him and his family with every silent, solemn step. family with every silent, solemn step.

It is the power of numbers that threatens It is the power of numbers that threatens him, as Malcolm’s and Siward’s soldiers begin him, as Malcolm’s and Siward’s soldiers begin overwhelming his defenses in Act V. overwhelming his defenses in Act V.

And it is the power of numbers that And it is the power of numbers that threatens him, in the form of the dangers he threatens him, in the form of the dangers he provokes through his crimes. provokes through his crimes.

There are too many threats to combat, and There are too many threats to combat, and while he knows they’re out there, he doesn’t while he knows they’re out there, he doesn’t really see them – just as the numberless stars, really see them – just as the numberless stars, now invisible in the pitch-black skies above him, now invisible in the pitch-black skies above him, quietly and dispassionately spin his fate. quietly and dispassionately spin his fate.

So Macbeth, true to form, reacts So Macbeth, true to form, reacts desperately when facing the desperately when facing the possibility of lost control. possibility of lost control.

He kills Macduff’s entire family He kills Macduff’s entire family in one fell swoop. in one fell swoop.

He’s sowing the seeds of his own He’s sowing the seeds of his own destruction, but he’s taking a whole destruction, but he’s taking a whole bunch of people with him. bunch of people with him.

And in the meantime, Scotland is And in the meantime, Scotland is falling apart: a nation that began the falling apart: a nation that began the play fending off a foreign invasion play fending off a foreign invasion now finds itself praying for one in now finds itself praying for one in order to find some degree of order to find some degree of salvation. salvation.

That’s predicated, however, on That’s predicated, however, on the alternative to Macbeth being an the alternative to Macbeth being an improvement on the current ruler. improvement on the current ruler.

It’s not until the final scene of It’s not until the final scene of Act Four, however, that we realize Act Four, however, that we realize we’ve been baited into the same we’ve been baited into the same “trust mistake” yet again. “trust mistake” yet again.

We automatically believed that We automatically believed that Duncan was a good king, ignoring Duncan was a good king, ignoring the fact that the play begins with the fact that the play begins with him beating back a revolution. him beating back a revolution.

Now we assume that his oldest son, Now we assume that his oldest son, Malcolm, is a better option than Macbeth, Malcolm, is a better option than Macbeth, because…why, exactly? because…why, exactly?

Because Because hehe didn’t kill his way to the didn’t kill his way to the throne, which would have involved throne, which would have involved murdering his father? murdering his father?

We know virtually nothing about him, We know virtually nothing about him, save that he’s Duncan’s son. save that he’s Duncan’s son.

We haven’t seen him do anything that We haven’t seen him do anything that marks him as worthy of the throne. marks him as worthy of the throne.

We’ve barely seen him more than We’ve barely seen him more than Fleance, who’s being intentionally Fleance, who’s being intentionally sidelined; the only thing we can really sidelined; the only thing we can really remember him doing is running away after remember him doing is running away after Duncan’s been murdered. Duncan’s been murdered.

He’s a cipher. He’s a cipher.

Yet when we hear that Macduff’s Yet when we hear that Macduff’s gone out to meet him, we expect the gone out to meet him, we expect the scene to play out in a familiar way. scene to play out in a familiar way.

Macduff will meet the noble prince Macduff will meet the noble prince and his new ally, Siward; together, they’ll and his new ally, Siward; together, they’ll lead an army against Macbeth, conquering lead an army against Macbeth, conquering and taking back what’s rightfully theirs. and taking back what’s rightfully theirs.

The wise and gentle Malcolm will be The wise and gentle Malcolm will be placed on the throne, as he should have placed on the throne, as he should have been following his father’s death. been following his father’s death.

Donalbain will come home; peace and Donalbain will come home; peace and harmony will be restored to the land. harmony will be restored to the land.

It’s all very simple, really. It’s all very simple, really.

Except that’s not what we get at all. Except that’s not what we get at all. Instead, Macduff meets a young man who’s Instead, Macduff meets a young man who’s

very frightened and deeply suspicious of others, very frightened and deeply suspicious of others, almost to a paranoid degree. almost to a paranoid degree.

He subjects Macduff to not one but two He subjects Macduff to not one but two tests, both involving naked deception. tests, both involving naked deception.

In the first, he tries to bait Macduff into In the first, he tries to bait Macduff into “selling him out” – betraying him to Macbeth, to “selling him out” – betraying him to Macbeth, to whom Macduff is supposedly secretly loyal. whom Macduff is supposedly secretly loyal.

He, too, questions why Macduff would leave He, too, questions why Macduff would leave his family so alone, and would do so in such an his family so alone, and would do so in such an abrupt fashion. abrupt fashion.

And even as he’s back-pedaling from that – And even as he’s back-pedaling from that – Oh, don’t mind what I say, I’m just suspicious of Oh, don’t mind what I say, I’m just suspicious of others after my father’s deathothers after my father’s death – he quickly pivots – he quickly pivots to a disturbing self-portrayal, excoriating himself to a disturbing self-portrayal, excoriating himself for his sinfulness and venality. for his sinfulness and venality.

If I were to be king, he continues, Scotland If I were to be king, he continues, Scotland would burn: “Black Macbeth will seem as pure as would burn: “Black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow” by comparison. snow” by comparison.

If there’s an appetite or weakness in the If there’s an appetite or weakness in the book, Malcolm lays claim to it. book, Malcolm lays claim to it.

Avarice? Check. Avarice? Check. Unbridled sexual appetite? Check. Unbridled sexual appetite? Check. A lust for power? Check. A lust for power? Check. A willingness to murder rivals? Check. A willingness to murder rivals? Check. Plotting to take the nobles’ lands after Plotting to take the nobles’ lands after

murdering them? Check. murdering them? Check. A complete and utter lack of any redeeming A complete and utter lack of any redeeming

virtues?virtues? Malcolm swears that nothing about him can Malcolm swears that nothing about him can

be redeemed. be redeemed. He is without respect for justice, devotion, He is without respect for justice, devotion,

patience, or courage. patience, or courage.

As he goes down the list, Macduff As he goes down the list, Macduff desperately tries to tell him that he’s being too desperately tries to tell him that he’s being too hard on himself, or that the sin he describes is hard on himself, or that the sin he describes is understandable (or less dire than he believes). understandable (or less dire than he believes).

But with each protestation, Malcolm But with each protestation, Malcolm worsens his self-criticism. worsens his self-criticism.

There’s a clear pattern of escalation on his There’s a clear pattern of escalation on his part, and he goes on and on until finally part, and he goes on and on until finally Macduff throws up his hands, weeping for his Macduff throws up his hands, weeping for his helpless nation – now doomed to suffer under a helpless nation – now doomed to suffer under a tyrant’s rule, whether or not Macbeth occupies tyrant’s rule, whether or not Macbeth occupies the throne – and verbally tears into Malcolm the throne – and verbally tears into Malcolm with a fury we’ve never seen him display with a fury we’ve never seen him display before. before.

Your father was a good, gentle king; your Your father was a good, gentle king; your mother was a devout, caring woman. That they mother was a devout, caring woman. That they could have produced something as wicked as could have produced something as wicked as you just proves that God has forsaken my you just proves that God has forsaken my country, and thus I must forsake it too.country, and thus I must forsake it too.

And as Macduff turns from him, angry And as Macduff turns from him, angry and despairing, Malcolm suddenly “breaks and despairing, Malcolm suddenly “breaks character” and shows his true face. character” and shows his true face.

It was all a test! It was all a test! He just wanted to test Macduff’s loyalty He just wanted to test Macduff’s loyalty

to Scotland. to Scotland. If he had stayed steadfastly loyal to If he had stayed steadfastly loyal to

Malcolm in the face of all those terrible Malcolm in the face of all those terrible confessions, it would have been evidence confessions, it would have been evidence that Macduff could be tempted to do terrible that Macduff could be tempted to do terrible things. things.

Someone who mourns for their country, Someone who mourns for their country, on the other hand, must be loyal to it. on the other hand, must be loyal to it.

It’s a complete reversal of character, It’s a complete reversal of character, and it’s incredibly jarring when experienced and it’s incredibly jarring when experienced live. live.

Following Malcolm’s monologue – Following Malcolm’s monologue – during which he professes to be all of the during which he professes to be all of the things we’d want a king to be – Macduff things we’d want a king to be – Macduff points out that “such welcome and points out that “such welcome and unwelcome things at once [are] hard to unwelcome things at once [are] hard to reconcile.” reconcile.”

And if they’re difficult for Macduff to And if they’re difficult for Macduff to process, how are we supposed to feel? process, how are we supposed to feel?

This is our first real exposure to This is our first real exposure to Malcolm, and it tastes sour: Malcolm, and it tastes sour: thisthis is the is the new king? new king?

ThisThis is the vessel into which the is the vessel into which the Scottish people should place their hopes? Scottish people should place their hopes?

This deceptive, shapeshifting thing? This deceptive, shapeshifting thing?

When Ross shows up to deliver the When Ross shows up to deliver the news of Macbeth’s attack on Fife, Macduff news of Macbeth’s attack on Fife, Macduff can join forces with Malcolm without any can join forces with Malcolm without any qualms: uncertainty’s easy to banish in qualms: uncertainty’s easy to banish in the face of searing rage. the face of searing rage.

Malcolm even compliments him on Malcolm even compliments him on how “manly” his expressed desire for how “manly” his expressed desire for vengeance sounds. vengeance sounds.

(There’s the masculinity issue (There’s the masculinity issue again…) again…)

And to his credit, Malcolm doesn’t do And to his credit, Malcolm doesn’t do or say anything negative for the rest of or say anything negative for the rest of the play. the play.

But the damage, as Susan Snyder But the damage, as Susan Snyder points out, has already been done: points out, has already been done: Malcolm’s left such a negative first Malcolm’s left such a negative first impression that it proves impossible to impression that it proves impossible to shake entirely. shake entirely.

Act Four ends with seemingly all of Act Four ends with seemingly all of the pieces arranged as they should be: the pieces arranged as they should be: Malcolm and Macduff have united in order Malcolm and Macduff have united in order to gain revenge, Macbeth is actively to gain revenge, Macbeth is actively seeking to cement his power, and a clash seeking to cement his power, and a clash seems imminent. seems imminent.

Fleance is off wandering around Fleance is off wandering around somewhere, and we still don’t understand somewhere, and we still don’t understand why the Sisters do what they do – do they why the Sisters do what they do – do they have a choice? have a choice?

Are they mouthpieces of fate? Are they mouthpieces of fate?

Hecate’s presence indicates a plan, Hecate’s presence indicates a plan, but the plan’s motivations are too murky but the plan’s motivations are too murky to make out. to make out.

No matter. No matter.

The audience has spent four The audience has spent four acts waiting for the inevitable clash acts waiting for the inevitable clash between good and evil, and now it between good and evil, and now it looks like we’ll get it. looks like we’ll get it.

We want Macbeth to pay for We want Macbeth to pay for what he’s done. what he’s done.

We want Macduff, Malcolm, or We want Macduff, Malcolm, or Fleance to seek some sort of Fleance to seek some sort of retribution for the people that retribution for the people that they’ve lost. they’ve lost.

But Shakespeare’s damaged his But Shakespeare’s damaged his “good” characters – Malcolm’s “good” characters – Malcolm’s “fake” sinfulness, Macduff’s “fake” sinfulness, Macduff’s “abandonment” of his family – and “abandonment” of his family – and worsened his “bad” ones.worsened his “bad” ones.

Can there be any winners here?Can there be any winners here?

Fair is foul… Fair is foul…