Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1

“I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, / a false creation, Proceeding from the heat oppressed brain?” (2.1.35-36/38-39) Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 is significant to the play as it marks his first vision. Inspired heavily by Raphael Holinshed's “Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland”, William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, explores the effects of visions – referring to Macbeth’s hallucinations, which can lead to the misguidance and eventual destruction of oneself. Macbeth’s visions exploit his own ambition and desire, illustrating how over aspirations can influence one’s judgement. Shakespeare also highlights that visions are depicted as the catalyst for his eventual descent into madness. Moreover,

The killing of Banquo had “Put rancors in the vessel of [his] peace,” (3.1.72) depriving him of “innocent sleep.” (2.2.37) It is due to this lack of peace of mind that the vision of Banquo's ghost accelerates Macbeth's descent into madness as the ghost serves as a constant reminder of his betrayal and the innocent lives he has taken. It highlights the emotional toll of his actions and how visions can intensify feelings of guilt and remorse. Macbeth's attempts to communicate with the ghost demonstrate his deteriorating mental state and increasing alienation from those around him. The haunting vision deepens his paranoia and solidifies his belief that he is surrounded by enemies, fuelling his violent and tyrannical actions. At the start of Act 4, Macbeth witnesses a vision of a procession of eight kings, with Banquo's ghost leading the way. This vision is a prophecy that threatens Macbeth's reign, suggesting that “the seeds of Banquo” (3.1.75) will inherit the throne. The procession symbolizes the transient nature of power and challenges Macbeth's belief in his invincibility. The vision of the procession of kings further deepens Macbeth's guilt and fear. It serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of his actions and the fragility of his reign. The vision illustrates how emotions like guilt can drive Macbeth to take drastic measures to preserve his power, leading to more violence and bloodshed. Ultimately, Shakespeare demonstrated how a series of visions, toying with obsessions and paranoia, can lead one’s mind into