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Frank Caracciolo English Essay 10 / 4 / 98 Period 10 / 11 More Then a Noble Perception Perception is the insight or knowledge gained by perceiving. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Macbeth the tragic hero of the play is perceived differently by everyone. Macbeth is one of King Duncan's nobleman and soldiers, who as the play goes on murders his leader when hearing he will one day be King from a trio of witches. Through Macbeth's actions the perceptions of Macbeth by the other main characters are learned. As the play goes on it is seen that his best friend, Banquo, his leader King Duncan and his wife Lady Macbeth all have opposing perceptions of him. Comparing their perceptions and the way he is shows how Macbeth may have came to the decision to commit his crime.
Banquo is Macbeth's best friend in the tragedy. Banquo is with Macbeth when Macbeth meets the witches and they tell him of his upcoming fortune. Banquo notices how Macbeth is too ambitious after he sees Macbeth's reaction to the witches predictions. He feels even though Macbeth is his best friend he feels Macbeth is capable of wrong doing in the future to get what he wants.
This is shown in one aside after they leave the witches. ? And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray s in deepest consequence. Cousins, a word, I pray you. (Act 1, Scene III, line 123) This quote is stating that Banquo thinks Macbeth may do anything to get what he wants no matter what the consequences are. Duncan is the King of Scotland and Macbeth's leader. Duncan's view of Macbeth is narrow-minded. He perceives him as a loyal, noble, trustworthy, soldier whom he is very fond of.
Duncan also feels Macbeth is the reason for them winning the war. There is many times in the play where this is pointed out by the things Duncan says. For example, Give me your hand. Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly, And shall continue our graces towards him (Act 1, Scene VI, line 29) This quote shows that Duncan seems to feel like he owes Macbeth something for his loyalties and bravery in the war. Duncan's perception of Macbeth will prove to be his downfall. Lady Macbeth only sees Macbeth the way she wants to see him.
When he tells her there is a chance he will become King she right away thinks of his weaknesses. She knows he is very easily manipulated as she says things to him that persuade him into the murder. For example, ? Which thou esteem st the ornament of life, And live in a coward in thine own esteem, Letting I dare not wait upon I would, Like the poor cat I th adage? (Act 1, Scene VII, line 42) This statement from her appeals to Macbeth's submissive character. In conclusion, you can see that perception is a very complicated thing.
People should think a lot before they decide how they perceive someone. Macbeth is someone who is perceived many different ways. Everyone does not see him as a whole. Everyone sees little pieces of his whole character. Not one the characters see all of Macbeth's personality and nature. Lady Macbeth sees what she feels will benefit her, Duncan sees the good qualities that Macbeth shows to him, and Banquo views him as a good man that is capable of turning the other cheek and committing wrong doing to get what he wants.
If Macbeth was viewed by everyone the way he truly is maybe he would have never had the flaw he found in himself, keeping his noble reputation intact.
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