7 ways in which How is violence showed in Macbeth with examples
1. Physical violence: The most obvious form of violence in Macbeth is physical violence, which is depicted in the numerous murders that take place throughout the play. For example, when Macbeth orders the murder of King Duncan, he uses violence to achieve his ambitions:
"Who dares receive it other,
As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar
Upon his death?"
2. Psychological violence: There is also psychological violence in Macbeth, as characters use manipulation, threats, and intimidation to gain power or control over others. Lady Macbeth, for example, psychologically pressures her husband into committing murder:
"I would, while it was smiling in my face,
Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums,
And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you
Have done to this."
3. Political violence: Violence is also used as a tool to gain and maintain political power in Macbeth. Macbeth's violent actions are driven by his desire to become king and hold onto his throne at any cost.
"Or art thou but
A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?"
4. Supernatural violence: The supernatural elements in Macbeth also play a role in the violence portrayed in the play. The witches' prophecies and supernatural intervention drive Macbeth to commit violent acts in order to fulfill his destiny:
"By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes."
5. Domestic violence: Domestic violence is also highlighted in Macbeth, particularly in the tumultuous relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is shown to manipulate and berate her husband, using violence in both her words and actions:
"Out, damned spot! out, I say!—One: two: why,
then, ’tis time to do’t.—Hell is murky!—Fie, my
lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we
fear who knows it, when none can call our power
to account?"
6. Violence against the innocent: Innocent characters, such as Lady Macduff and her children, also suffer from violence in the play. Macbeth's ruthless pursuit of power results in the brutal murder of those who pose no threat to him:
"all my pretty chickens and their dam
At one fell swoop?"
7. Self-inflicted violence: Finally, Macbeth also inflicts violence upon himself as he descends into madness and guilt over his actions. His inner turmoil and self-destructive behavior ultimately lead to his downfall:
"Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."