Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Hero Journey


Macbeth's call to adventure came when the witches first told him that he would one day become king. This then leads to his plotting against Duncan with Lady Macbeth. However he almost "refuses the call" by having doubts about the killing, but does choose to follow through with it. The moment that Macbeth killed the king was him crossing the threshold. He has now taken action to become king that he cannot take back. He does however feel guilt and shame for it, but the act changes him. He is now only concerned with covering his tracks. Murdering others is not affecting him they way it did when he murdered Duncan. Now in Act iii Macbeth faces his tests, allies, and enemies. After the body of Duncan was found, and fingers pointed at the guards, Macbeth kills them as well, claiming it was "out of rage" for their having murdered Duncan. His alterior motives are known only to the audience and Lady Macbeth at this point. This was Macbeth's first test. He now faces his greatest test of all, being King of Scotland, and keeping it that way. His friends have now become his enemies, or rather, potential enemies, and his only ally is Lady Macbeth. Banquo has become suspicious, although Duncan is not aware of this, and poses a threat to him, as the witches prophesized his children sitting upon the throne as well. Now, Duncan must defend his title, and hide his guilt all the while ruling with Duncan lingering at the end of his bed.

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