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Influences on Macbeth. How much agency / control / autonomy/ volition does…

- - - - He pursues the witches , appearing very eager to find out more.”Stay you imperfect speakers , tell me more”[Line 71, Act 1, Scene 3]. Also, he tries to broach the subject with Banquo, “Your children shall be kings”, Line 87, [Act 1, Scene 3]
        
        Having his trusted comrade Banquo murdered illustrates the extent of his ruthless ambition. “Both of you know Banquo as your enemy you , Lines 113/114, Act 3, Scene 2. Tactfully, he makes this decision without consulting his wife.
        
        Any possibility of coming to power through legitimate succession is eradicated in Act 1, Scene 4. Kind Duncan publicly annonces that Malcolm will inherit the throne. Macbeth’s aside is revealing . Privately he is contemplating his ascent to power but publicly he is servile to King Duncan.
- - - - In Act 4, Scene 1 the witches persuade Macbeth through apparitions, that Macduff poses no threat as fate will ensure his demise, line 85, “Be bloody, bold and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth”, On foot of this , Macbeth impulsively decides to murder Macduff’s family. Line 158/159: “His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls That trace him in his line,
    - - He has the awareness early in the play that there predictions are credible when the Thane of Ross declares he is the new Thane of Cawdor. “Commencing in truth? I am Thane of Cawdor” [ Line 135, Act 1, Scene 3} He has the awareness early in the play that there predictions are credible when the Thane of Ross declares he is the new Thane of Cawdor. “Commencing in truth? I am Thane of Cawdor” [ Line 135, Act 1, Scene 3}
- - - - Lady Macbeth is steadfast and relentless in her desire for Macbeth to become King. Imploring him to “look like the innocent flower. But be the serpent under’t, line 64/ 65, Act 1, Scene 5.
        
        Act 1, Scene 7 is a very significant moment in the play. Her intervention propels Macbeth to kill. Vehemently opposing his refusal to carry out the murder, she tactfully manipulating him by bringing his masculinity into question.”Art thou afeard to be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire”, lines 39 - 40, Act 1, Scene 7. Macbeth’s entire sense of self and identity is connected with his masculinity and reputation as a warrior.
        
        Lady Macbeth knows she must remain composed to prevent the situation from descending into disarray. Knowing her husband’s vulnerabilities, she calls him “ infirm of purpose!” In Act 2, Scene 2, line 50. Dismissing Macbeth’S trepidation as childhood fears, she is of the belief that “a little water clears us of the deed”
        Continuously, Lady Macbeth attributes Macbeth’s acute feelings of grief to weak masculinity. Lines 42/ 43, Why, worthy thane, you do unbend your noble strength to think so brainsickly of things”?
        
        Act 3, Scene 2, sees Lady Macbeth’s enthusiasm wane. In the wake of the murder, her contentment has suffered greatly. “Nought’s had, all’s spent, where our desire is got without content”, line 6/7. She assumes a passive role in comparison to previous scenes. Ironically, her pleas for Macbeth to embody a skewed masculinity has led to fractures in their relationship. Cracks begin to appear.
        
        Act 3, Scene 4 leaves Lady Macbeth feeling disillusioned. Exhausted from trying to contain Macbeth’s errant behaviour , she relenquishes control, leaving the execution solely to her husband. Act 3, Scene 4 solidifies her regression to a passive participant. Macbeth takes the mantle, shows initiative.
- - - - Macbeth obliquely mentions the murder. Longs for “it to be done quickly”, Act 1, Scene 7, line 2.
        
        In his soliloquy, he outlines King Duncan’s many honourable traits, this contributes to the interior conflict Macbeth experiences. He realises that as King Duncan’s trusted ally, he has a responsibility to protect him; not murder him. A prominent gap exists between planning and execution, a gap he will ultimately bridge as the play develops. Adjectives to describe his indecision: conflicted. Verbs : grapple, wrestle, torn,
        
        By the end of the soliloquy , he confesses that ambition supersedes any fleeting notion of concept , duty or loyalty he feels towards King Duncan.”To prick the sides of my intent , but only vaulting ambition , which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other “, lines 26-28, Act 1, Scene 7. Therefore , it is a very deliberate decision to proceed. He has the self awareness but dismisses his nigling conscience.
        
        However , something shifts in Macbeth when he meets Lady Macbeth. Asserting :”we will proceed no further in this business”, line 31, Act 1, Scene 7.
        
        Act 2, Scene 1: Macbeth is plagued with indecision, is afflicted with visions that seem to suggest a guilt , “Is this a dagger which I see before me”, Line 33. Macbeth is suspended in the world of the imagination .
        
        Subsequent to Duncan’s murder, Macbeth is overwrought with guilt, plunged into a turmoil. Full of remorse, he fears that sleep will evade him, line 33: Methought I heard a voice cry ‘ Sleep no more ‘!
        
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