Temptations And Trickery In Macbeth

Temptations and Trickery: Evils Control in Macbeth
Humans are ill-fated for self-destruction. They constantly search for fulfillment in empty pursuits that never fill the hole, and leave them longing for a better life, or none at all. “Better to be dead, to be nothing, than to base one’s joy upon destruction” (Frame, 48); In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the audience is engaged in a grueling tale of the bloodshed against evil. From a murderous man and his wife, to the victims of the play, evil deceives and curses every single one. Along with using the major characters as cardinal illustrations of how the enticement of sin brings destruction, Shakespeare uses the minor characters who are also inclined to give into evil, inadvertently,

At a glance, Banquo may appear innocent in regards to the tragic events that plague Scotland, yet he demonstrates how he ultimately surrenders in the battle against evil. He originally cautions Macbeth after being confronted with the witches, and declares, “The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/ Win us with honest trifles, to betray us/ In deepest consequence” (1.3.126-128). However, he makes it clear he does not heed his own warning when they next encounter each other. When given the chance, Banquo revisits the topic: “I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:/ To you they have showed some truth,”(2.1.19-20). His curiosity is evidence that the corrupt thoughts planted by the witches have been festering in his mind. The conversation continues and Banquo says, “So I lose none/ In seeking to augment it, but still keep/ My bosom franchised and allegiance clear,/ I shall be counselled” (2.1.26-29). He fears what Macbeth may do, but too selfish to admit it. Not only are his walls against the influence of evil wearing down, but he is not helping Macbeth build his own walls back up. As Macbeth’s friend, and a noble man, Banquo should intervene, yet with vile thoughts running through his own head, he turns a blind eye. In Wheel of Fire, Wilson G. Knight’s touches on the role Banquo

Duncan, Banquo, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth are key exhibits of what not to do when face to face with evil. On one hand, the Macbeths invite supernatural powers into their lives; whereas, characters like Duncan and Banquo do not seek out evil, yet they do not do anything to prevent it. Regardless of the justification, they all allow their lives to rot with evil. In the end, they all receive the gift of being set free, for it is “Better to be dead, to be nothing, than to base one’s joy upon destruction” (Frame, 48). They no longer have to struggle to find the happiness they formerly sacrificed for riches. Human nature leaves people empty if they purse satisfaction in. Once they learn where to look, that is when they will find the joy they so desperately