Goodness Knows Goodness Knows the Wickeds’ Lives the Wickeds’ Lives Are Lonely…Are Lonely…FeracoFeraco

Search for Human PotentialSearch for Human Potential

6 December 20116 December 2011

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

Genuine Witch Chants*Genuine Witch Chants*

Unsettling ImageryUnsettling Imagery There’s also some very specific, unsettling There’s also some very specific, unsettling

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

I point out the specificity of what seems like I point out the specificity of what seems like babble because, as you can clearly see, the babble because, as you can clearly see, the witches are mixing things that pertain to witches are mixing things that pertain to Macbeth himselfMacbeth himself Everything from shattered newborns to darkness and Everything from shattered newborns to darkness and

poison (the guard’s drinks, trust as venom, etc.) reflects poison (the guard’s drinks, trust as venom, etc.) reflects him somehow. him somehow.

But the Sisters can’t finish before Macbeth arrives. But the Sisters can’t finish before Macbeth arrives. When he asks them what they’re doing, they reply – in When he asks them what they’re doing, they reply – in

perfect unison – that their deed has no name.perfect unison – that their deed has no name. (Here, the thing to notice is not merely that Macbeth (Here, the thing to notice is not merely that Macbeth

himself has committed foul, nameless deeds, but that the himself has committed foul, nameless deeds, but that the three respond to him in unison; we’ll study this in far three respond to him in unison; we’ll study this in far greater detail later.) greater detail later.)

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

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

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

Knowledge – Understanding = ?Knowledge – Understanding = ?

With the addition of a filicidal sow’s blood With the addition of a filicidal sow’s blood (shades of Lady Macbeth’s “baby-dashing” line (shades of Lady Macbeth’s “baby-dashing” line here) and the sweat and grease that fell from here) and the sweat and grease that fell from hanged murderer’s foreheads, an “Armed Head” hanged murderer’s foreheads, an “Armed Head” rises from the cauldron. rises from the cauldron. ““Armed” should not be taken literally here, at least not Armed” should not be taken literally here, at least not

in its primary sense: Shakespeare is describing a head in its primary sense: Shakespeare is describing a head clad in a helmet or armor. clad in a helmet or armor.

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

One should notice that the king, far from his One should notice that the king, far from his throne, is powerless during the encounter: he is throne, is powerless during the encounter: he is told to keep silent, as the apparition can sense told to keep silent, as the apparition can sense his thoughts, and it ignores his request for more his thoughts, and it ignores his request for more knowledge (as the first Sister bluntly tells him, knowledge (as the first Sister bluntly tells him, the Head “will not be commanded”). the Head “will not be commanded”).

The Armed HeadThe Armed Head

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

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

No sooner does the Head finish its spiel than a child, No sooner does the Head finish its spiel than a child, covered with blood (a chilling image), rises in its place. covered with blood (a chilling image), rises in its place. When it tells him to be “bloody, bold, and resolute,” it’s When it tells him to be “bloody, bold, and resolute,” it’s not just repeating SFHP advice. not just repeating SFHP advice.

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

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

Just to be safe, however, Macbeth decides to have him Just to be safe, however, Macbeth decides to have him killed anyway; at that point, he believes, he’ll be so secure killed anyway; at that point, he believes, he’ll be so secure that he’ll be able to “sleep through thunder.” that he’ll be able to “sleep through thunder.”

The Blood-Covered ChildThe Blood-Covered Child

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

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

But their downfalls also stem from something else. But their downfalls also stem from something else. The man who’s most vulnerable to a threat is the one who The man who’s most vulnerable to a threat is the one who

believes he can’t possibly be harmed by it. believes he can’t possibly be harmed by it. Duncan foolishly believes that he’s safe, that, with the Duncan foolishly believes that he’s safe, that, with the

revolt crushed and his guards at the ready, no one can hurt revolt crushed and his guards at the ready, no one can hurt him. him. (After all, isn’t he king?) (After all, isn’t he king?)

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

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

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

Hubris and TrustHubris and Trust

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

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

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

This simply isn’t true. This simply isn’t true. On some level, he must know this; otherwise, On some level, he must know this; otherwise,

there’s literally no reason to kill Macduff. there’s literally no reason to kill Macduff. But Macbeth’s so desperate for comfort – the real But Macbeth’s so desperate for comfort – the real

reason he’s sought out the witches, for there’s reason he’s sought out the witches, for there’s obviously security in certainty – that he’ll happily obviously security in certainty – that he’ll happily make that leap. make that leap. Anything for the possibility of sleeping again, of feeling Anything for the possibility of sleeping again, of feeling

human again. human again.

Anything for…Anything for…

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

It is perhaps the single most powerful image one It is perhaps the single most powerful image one could show Macbeth, so he pays attention. could show Macbeth, so he pays 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 that important reason, as it so happens: it tells him that he cannot be beaten until Birnam Wood (a forest) he cannot be beaten until Birnam Wood (a forest) marches against him at Dunsinane (the location of marches against him at Dunsinane (the location of Duncan’s/Macbeth’s castle). Duncan’s/Macbeth’s castle).

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

The Child, the Crown, and the TreeThe Child, the Crown, and the Tree

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

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

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

And Macbeth, equally unambiguously, replies: And Macbeth, equally unambiguously, replies: I will I will be satisfied.be satisfied. That’s a demand, not a statement of satisfaction. That’s a demand, not a statement of satisfaction.

He threatens to curse the witches, which is not only He threatens to curse the witches, which is not only incredibly foolhardy – incredibly foolhardy – thesethese are the people you plan are the people you plan to antagonize? – but also uncomfortably reminiscent to antagonize? – but also uncomfortably reminiscent of Banquo’s words to them as he finishes his demands of Banquo’s words to them as he finishes his demands ““[I] neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate” – [I] neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate” –

he should have he should have The cauldron immediately sinks, and as the air fills The cauldron immediately sinks, and as the air fills

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

Seek to Learn No MoreSeek to Learn No More

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

They’re clearly not related to Macbeth, who They’re clearly not related to Macbeth, who flies into a rage, screaming at each of the kings flies into a rage, screaming at each of the kings who walks past him, then at the witches, who walks past him, then at the witches, before the eighth king reaches him and shows before the eighth king reaches him and shows him an even more terrible sight in the depths him an even more terrible sight in the depths of its mirror: a seemingly endless line that of its mirror: a seemingly endless line that follows the eight in front of him, with some of follows the eight in front of him, with some of the new ones wearing crowns signifying the the new ones wearing crowns signifying the unification of two kingdoms. unification of two kingdoms.

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

When the ____ Come Marching InWhen the ____ Come Marching In

And as Macbeth gapes, disbelievingly, at And as Macbeth gapes, disbelievingly, at the apparitions, his worst nightmare given the apparitions, his worst nightmare given almost fleshy form, one witch asks him almost fleshy form, one witch 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 his Didn’t he always know this would be his

fate? 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.

Satisfied?Satisfied?

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

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

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

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

A Wounded AnimalA Wounded Animal

The terrible thing, however, is that Macbeth The terrible thing, however, is that Macbeth keeps killing people a) by proxy, b) attacking keeps killing people a) by proxy, b) attacking victims when they’re at their most vulnerable victims when they’re at their most vulnerable (he’s always had an eye for an opponent’s soft (he’s always had an eye for an opponent’s soft spot, just as Lady Macbeth does: Macdonwald’s spot, just as Lady Macbeth does: Macdonwald’s unzipping starts and ends at his softest points), unzipping starts and ends at his softest points), and c) picking people who don’t know he’s and c) picking people who don’t know he’s coming for them. coming for them. Fleance survived either by chance or by fate, but no one Fleance survived either by chance or by fate, but no one

else is that lucky. else is that lucky. The people he kills aren’t even the ones who The people he kills aren’t even the ones who

truly threaten him (Malcolm, Macduff, perhaps truly threaten him (Malcolm, Macduff, perhaps Fleance). Fleance).

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

Picking Off the Weakest OnesPicking Off the Weakest Ones

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

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

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

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

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

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

Never an AccidentNever an Accident

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 overruled his. overruled his.

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

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

Th’ Primrose WayTh’ Primrose Way

Wrens and an Emptied NestWrens and an Emptied Nest 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 made But she also recognizes that Macduff’s made

enemies, powerful ones, and she rightly fears for enemies, powerful ones, and she rightly fears for her safety. her safety.

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

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

will fight, her young ones in her nest, against the will fight, her young ones in her nest, against the owl.” 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 alone. has left us alone.

For Your ConsiderationFor Your Consideration Both Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff Both Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff

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

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

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

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

Funny GamesFunny Games Shakespeare then lets the son and mother Shakespeare then lets the son and mother

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

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

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

Stabbing SonsStabbing Sons And as the son makes his last joke – that if the And as the son makes his last joke – that if the

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

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

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

One Fell SwoopOne Fell Swoop The earlier killings in The earlier killings in MacbethMacbeth either happened offstage either happened offstage

or under deep cover of darkness. or under deep cover of darkness. With the death of Macduff’s family, Shakespeare’s With the death of Macduff’s family, Shakespeare’s

shoving the ugliness of murder directly in the shoving the ugliness of murder directly in the audience’s faces. audience’s faces.

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

Don’t underestimate how horrible this crime is. Don’t underestimate how horrible this crime is. It’s not just the murder of an innocent family. It’s not just the murder of an innocent family. Macbeth, of all people, should understand what he’s Macbeth, of all people, should understand what he’s

doing to Macduff: he’s annihilating his entire line. doing to Macduff: he’s annihilating his entire line. The term “one fell swoop” comes from Macduff’s The term “one fell swoop” comes from Macduff’s

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

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

VacuumVacuum I’ve mentioned the role isolation plays in I’ve mentioned the role isolation plays in

the play, and how terrible people feel – the play, and how terrible people feel – and how terribly they act and decide – 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 of Yes, it’s true that we only get a sense of who Macbeth “really” is when he’s in 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 involuntary Nature abhors a vacuum, and involuntary

isolation is a roaring vacuum for the soulisolation is a roaring vacuum for the soul Human beings will often go to desperate Human beings will often go to desperate

lengths to fill that vacuum. lengths to fill that vacuum.

The Unholy TrinityThe Unholy Trinity I asked you to notice that Shakespeare unifies I asked you to notice that Shakespeare unifies

the witches, giving them the very power Macbeth the witches, giving them the very power Macbeth lacks: the power of numbers, the support of lacks: the power of numbers, the support of multiplicity. multiplicity.

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

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

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

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

Beyond All LimitsBeyond All Limits For it’s not simply that the witches seem to know the For it’s not simply that the witches seem to know the

future, but that they seem somehow more than future, but that they seem somehow more than human – not better, yet still more powerful, human – not better, yet still more powerful, transcending our limitations. transcending our limitations.

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

They are recognizable – women? – and yet not. They are recognizable – women? – and yet not. It’s almost as though our minds, being baffled by their It’s almost as though our minds, being baffled by their

true nature, perceives them in a way that kind of true nature, perceives them in a way that kind of makes sense – like trying to capture a concept like makes sense – like trying to capture a concept like Fate or God with a three-or-four-letter word – but Fate or God with a three-or-four-letter word – but ultimately fails to represent them. ultimately fails to represent them.

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

The ButcherThe Butcher Contrast this with Macbeth, who’s either killing off his Contrast this with Macbeth, who’s either killing off his

friends or fighting with his wife, the holder of a friends or fighting with his wife, the holder of a barren scepter and an empty line, under threat from barren scepter and an empty line, under threat from the sons of both his victims – in other words, the sons of both his victims – in other words, impossibly, irreversibly alone. impossibly, irreversibly alone.

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

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

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

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

Salvation, InvasionSalvation, Invasion So Macbeth, true to form, reacts So Macbeth, true to form, reacts

desperately when facing the possibility of desperately when facing the possibility of lost control. lost control.

He kills Macduff’s entire family in one fell He kills Macduff’s entire family in one fell swoop. 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 falling And in the meantime, Scotland is falling apart: a nation that began the play apart: a nation that began the play fending off a foreign invasion now finds fending off a foreign invasion now finds itself praying for one in order to find some itself praying for one in order to find some degree of salvation. degree of salvation.

The CipherThe Cipher That’s predicated, however, on the alternative to Macbeth That’s predicated, however, on the alternative to Macbeth

being an improvement on the current ruler. being an improvement on the current ruler. It’s not until the final scene of Act Four, however, that we It’s not until the final scene of Act Four, however, that we

realize we’ve been baited into the same “trust mistake” realize we’ve been baited into the same “trust mistake” yet again. yet again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He’s a cipher. He’s a cipher.

A Hollywood Ending, Part IA Hollywood Ending, Part I Yet when we hear that Macduff’s gone out Yet when we hear that Macduff’s gone out

to meet him, we expect the scene to play to meet him, we expect the scene to play out in a familiar way. out in a familiar way.

Macduff will meet the noble prince and his Macduff will meet the noble prince and his new ally, Siward; together, they’ll lead an new ally, Siward; together, they’ll lead an army against Macbeth, conquering and army against Macbeth, conquering and taking back what’s rightfully theirs. 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. Donalbain will come home. Peace and harmony will be restored to the Peace and harmony will be restored to the

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

On Guard, En GardeOn Guard, En Garde 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 very Instead, Macduff meets a young man who’s very

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

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

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

He, too, questions why Macduff would leave his He, too, questions why Macduff would leave his family so alone, and would do so in such an 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, Oh, don’t mind what I say, I’m just suspicious of 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.

CorruptionCorruption If I were to be king, he continues, Scotland would If I were to be king, he continues, Scotland would

burn: “Black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow” burn: “Black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow” by comparison. by comparison.

If there’s an appetite or weakness in the book, If there’s an appetite or weakness in the book, Malcolm lays claim to it. 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 be Malcolm swears that nothing about him can be

redeemed. redeemed. He is without respect for justice, devotion, patience, or He is without respect for justice, devotion, patience, or

courage. courage.

EscalationEscalation As he goes down the list, Macduff desperately tries As he goes down the list, Macduff desperately tries

to tell him that he’s being too hard on himself, or to tell him that he’s being too hard on himself, or that the sin he describes is understandable (or less that the sin he describes is understandable (or less dire than he believes). dire than he believes).

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

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

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

ReversalReversal And as Macduff turns from him, angry and And as Macduff turns from him, angry and

despairing, Malcolm suddenly “breaks 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 to He just wanted to test Macduff’s loyalty to

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

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

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

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

Deceptive Shapeshifting ThingsDeceptive Shapeshifting Things Following Malcolm’s monologue – during Following Malcolm’s monologue – during

which he professes to be all of the things which he professes to be all of the things we’d want a king to be – Macduff points we’d want a king to be – Macduff points out that “such welcome and unwelcome out that “such welcome and unwelcome things at once [are] hard to reconcile.” things at once [are] hard to 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 Malcolm, This is our first real exposure to Malcolm, and it tastes sour: and it tastes sour: thisthis is the new king? is the new king?

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

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

The Pressure and the Damage DoneThe Pressure and the Damage Done When Ross shows up to deliver the news of When Ross shows up to deliver the news of

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

Malcolm even compliments him on how “manly” Malcolm even compliments him on how “manly” his expressed desire for vengeance sounds. his expressed desire for vengeance sounds. (There’s the masculinity issue again…) (There’s the masculinity issue again…)

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

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

Mysterious SistersMysterious Sisters Act Four ends with seemingly all of the Act Four ends with seemingly all of the

pieces arranged as they should be: 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, but Hecate’s presence indicates a plan, but

the plan’s motivations are too murky to the plan’s motivations are too murky to make out. make out.

Nothing Sacred, Nothing PureNothing Sacred, Nothing Pure No matter. No matter. The audience has spent four acts waiting for The audience has spent four acts waiting for

the inevitable clash between good and evil, and the inevitable clash between good and evil, and now it looks like we’ll get it. now it looks like we’ll get it.

We want Macbeth to pay for what he’s done. We want Macbeth to pay for what he’s done. We want Macduff, Malcolm, or Fleance to seek We want Macduff, Malcolm, or Fleance to seek

some sort of retribution for the people that some sort of retribution for the people that they’ve lost. they’ve lost.

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