Manifesting Guilt - Character Analysis of Macbeth

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Jan 2, 2005

Speaking of banquets...

In William Shakespeare's "Macbeth", a banquet is the setting for a very unsettling encounter for the title character. He sees a ghost. Or is it? Indeed, after a few murders and one failed attempt, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost sitting in his seat -- at the head of the table. The question is, is this for real? Is it similar to the ghost of Hamlet's father in "Hamlet", or is it more so the result of Macbeth's own imagination, prompted by a guilty conscience?

Only Macbeth sees Banquo at the table. To everyone else, including Lady Macbeth, the seat is empty. It would seem that the appearance of Banquo is in fact due to Macbeth's own fear. And though Lady Macbeth is upset over her husband's behavior, she has no idea what sort of burden he has taken on. Recall that he chooses not to confide in her his murderous plans for Banquo and Fleance: "Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,/ Till thou applaud the deed." (3.2.17-8). He is protecting her, but perhaps he is also protecting himself.

Do the fewer people who know of his actions make it easier for him to escape reality, or any subsequent disappointment should he fail? By not telling others, Macbeth can lie to himself. Then, once the plot is carried out and the problems that trouble him are taken away, he can talk about it in real terms, in a manner that is free from the pressure of the plot's success. (If it is carried out, that is.) But after the First Murderer informs Macbeth that Fleance is still alive, Macbeth's problems only grow. How does he escape his actions now? In short he cannot. Though he may try to fool himself into believing that the latest twist/turn can be righted, his conscience knows better. Hence, Banquo's image.

Unlike Hamlet's ghostly encounter, where the ghost was in fact seen by others and made contact with Hamlet for a purpose (to an end), Macbeth seeing Banquo is singular to him alone, and it would seem that the image is simply Macbeth realizing that he cannot escape what he has done.

Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee
Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold.
Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
Which thou dost glare with.

(3.4.92-4)

Thus in this instance, it is more similar to Claudius's reaction to the play, "The Mousetrap". When Claudius sees the murder of his brother played out onstage, he attempts to run so as to not be discovered. Do others know of what he has done? Do they suspect him? Such thoughts also hound Macbeth once he learns of the failed murder attempt of Fleance. How long before others discover what he has done? Do the Lords know? Do they suspect? How long does he have to correct his reckless move? Is it too late?

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The copyright of the article Manifesting Guilt - Character Analysis of Macbeth in Shakespearean Tragedy is owned by Jennifer Alpeche. Permission to republish Manifesting Guilt - Character Analysis of Macbeth in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.