Robby Randolph

Miss Skirtich
13 December 2017
English 12: British Literature

"Macbeth" Thesis Paper

Manipulation is the action of manipulating something in a skillful manner. We see a lot

of example of manipulation in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth". Shakespeare demonstrates

manipulation in "Macbeth" through the characters of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the witches.

Shakespeare demonstrates manipulation in "Macbeth" through the character of Macbeth.

Macbeth tries to convince the murderers to kill Banquo because he made their lives miserable.

But in reality, it was Macbeth who made their lives miserable. "Know that it was he, in the times

past, which held you so under fortune, which you thought had been our innocent self." (III.I.78-

81). Macbeth has given them their misfortune all along, to add to that, Macbeth lies to them

about the fact that Banquo is the one who killed King Duncan. This clearly demonstrates how

Macbeth utilizes manipulation to get what he wants, which is Banquo and Fleance dead. He uses

the murderers as people to do his dirty work and to get what he wants without killing anyone else

himself. Another example of manipulation through Macbeth is when he lies to Lady Macbeth

about killing Banquo, "We have scorched the snake, not killed it. She'll close and be herself

whilst our poor malice remains in danger of her former tooth" (III.ii.15-17). Macbeth tells Lady

Macbeth that they have hurt Banquo but did not kill him. They also damaged the crown of

Scotland by killing Duncan, but have not achieved his goal of becoming king without the threat

of another ruler taking his place, so there are still suspicious players around Macbeth. Macbeth

feels paranoid about becoming king, and this is a great example of how the paranoia has taken

over his life to the point where he does not confide his plans with his spouse. This is an example
of manipulation because Macbeth does not reveal the whole truth to Lady Macbeth, which is

deceitful and lying to his wife. He uses manipulation to get the things that he wants, no matter

what the cost, even his marriage.

Additionally, Shakespeare demonstrates manipulation in "Macbeth" through the character

of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth to kill King Duncan when he doesn’t

want to. He doesn’t want to kill him because they are friends, but Lady Macbeth wants him

killed because they would be royalty afterwards. "He that’s coming must be provided for; and

you shall put this night's great business into my dispatch, which shall to all our nights and days to

come give solely sovereign sway and masterdom." (I.V.58-62). She is telling her husband that if

they kill Duncan, they will live in luxury for the rest of their days. After killing Duncan, Lady

Macbeth tries to convince Macbeth that he shouldn’t feel guilty for the murder. "A little water

clears us of this deed. How easy is it, then! Your constancy hath left you unattended." (II.II.67-

69). She states that if he washes the blood off his hands, he will then not feel bad about his

actions. This is an example of catholic guilt.

Finally, Shakespeare demonstrates manipulation in "Macbeth" through the characters of

the witches. The witches tell Macbeth that he will be king before it even happens. "All hail,

Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"

(I.III.50-51). This causes him to murder Duncan for his own personal gain. The Witches also

tell Macbeth that nobody can harm him. "The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm

Macbeth." (IV.I.82-83). Little did he know, Macduff was born of a C-section and ends up killing

Macbeth.
 Overall, Shakespeare demonstrates manipulation in "Macbeth" through the characters of

Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the witches. They all manipulate other players for their own

personal gain. They turn one another corrupt.