More Than A Noble Perception Essay, Research Paper

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. (Act1, SceneIII,line123)” 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…(Act1, SceneVI,line29)” 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? (Act1, SceneVII, line42)” 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.