Shakespeares Macbeth - Renaissance Humanism Essay -- GCSE English Lit

While the witches present in Shakespeares tragedy Macbeth assume the bureau of supernatural beings, it was not Shakespeares intent to portray a classic case of fatalism. On the contrary, Shakespeare used Macbeth as a way to display the brain of Renaissance humanism. Although the witches did in fact possess uncanny powers, they were in reality not controlling Macbeth, but rather they were tempting Macbeth to act in peculiar(a) ways. The witches, as well as other significant characters, may have encouraged Macbeth to act in a certain way, yet they did not by any means determine Macbeths actions. By comparing the humanist movement and its values to the tragedy Macbeth, it becomes blatantly obvious that Macbeth was intended to demonstrate the fundamental humanistic qualities. Under the premise of humanism it is required that there be a centralization and focus upon humans, a balance in which elements within shine without, and all reason must be used to become more angelic than bes tial. Although the witches predictions display supernatural properties, their philosophies center around the dealings of mere someone humans. This gives humans a sense of importance in the workings of the world. Even nature is disturbed as part of fulfilling one of the philosophies (the displacing of Birnam Wood to Dunsinane). Moreover, one of the important themes of the play, the effects of evil in the life of one man- Macbeth, stresses a centralization on the individual being. Through the usage of masks in Macbeth, the balance is achieved by stop off elements within from being focused without. This is shown in Act I, scene V, as Lady Macbeth talks to Macbeth, she gives him specific instructions Look like the cartridge clip bear welcome in your eye, Your han... ...he appearance of the Weird Sisters in Macbeth, as well as the encouragement of a few influential characters, Macbeth is clearly define as a portrayal of the true spirit of Renaissance humanism. Macbeth may have attem pted to place the blame away from himself, but the fact that he no longer accepted the responsibility for his actions does not mean that the responsibility is removed, and therefore Macbeths downfall can be traced back to the actions of one man, Macbeth. flora Cited Page Cooper, The Mystery of Witchcraft, London, 1617. Epstein, Norrie, The Friendly Shakepeare, New York, Viking Publishing, 1993. Harbage, Alfred, Macbeth, Middlesex England, Penguin Publishing, 1956. Magill, Masterplots- Volume 6, New Jersey, Salem Press, 1949. Staunten, Howard, The Complet Illustrated Shakespeare, New York, Park Lane Publishing, 1979.