Dilemmas in Shakespeare's Macbeth and Titus Andronicus
The nature of dilemma dictates a situation in which a difficult choice has
to be made between two alternatives, often bringing undesirable consequences
regardless of which alternative is chosen. Dilemmas are frequent in Shakespeare's
tragedies and often concerned with a conflict between moral duty and emotions
governed by revenge or ambition. What makes these dilemmas tragic is the overriding
feeling provoked in the audience that events could not possibly turn out any
differently.
In the case of Macbeth, his tragic dilemma is superficially raised by the
three witches and involves a decision on whether to be proactive in taking
the throne from King Duncan. The intervention of the witches leads many to
believe that Macbeth is actually left with no decision to make whatsoever
as their prophecy has far great an influence on his destiny. Many read their
characters as goddesses or fates that seal Macbeth's future and this is to
suggest that Macbeth merely believes he is posed with a dilemma. However,
Bradley argues that this type of reading, or a reading that heralds this influence
on the action as important 'because they are merely symbolic representations
of the unconscious or half-conscious guilt in Macbeth himself,' are simply
inadequate. In opposition Bradley suggests that there is little in the play
to give the impression that these women should be read as symbolic or ultimate
powers of fate. Shakespeare was known to have researched the practice of witchcraft
and consequently presented images of women that would have been present in
the seventeenth century. Therefore, Bradley argues that 'while the influence
of the Witches' prophecies on Macbeth is very great, it is quite clearly shown
to be an influence and nothing more' and that 'not only was he free to accept
or resist the temptation, but the temptation was already with him.' The argument
that Hamlet was free to resist the temptation of pursuing the throne prematurely
is clarified by the character of Banquo. He too was witness to the prophecies
of the three witches but is largely indifferent to the content of their message.
Although their words mainly pertain to Macbeth, as a good friend of his, Banquo
could easily have initiated a plot to better his own position in the favour
of the 'new' King. Also, the witches do make a reference to his heirs becoming
kings, yet he still does not act on this prophecy either. As it is, only Macbeth
takes the message to heart and is led by its message, 'Good sir, why do you
start and seem to fear / Things that sound so fair?' The use of prophecy can
clearly not cleanse Macbeth entirely of blame, even if witches' prophecy is
valid, no timescale is given - suggesting that Duncan could just have easily
provided Macbeth with the crown through natural death. The outcome of other
parts of their prophecies proves that the information given does not always
mean what is first understood, for example, Macduff's caesarean birth and
the movement of Birnam Wood. However, this 'riddle' element emerges a little
too late for Macbeth to take into consideration.
If we regard Macbeth's tragic dilemma as one of his own creation, then what
persuades him to present himself with such a decision as a result of what
he hears from the three witches? The fact that Macbeth 'starts' and 'seems
to fear' their words suggests that the thoughts they induce are not new to
him; he is a powerful, successful and above all, ambitious man. Having proposed
to kill King Duncan, Macbeth's main concern over the deed is that Duncan is
a virtuous, well-liked leader. Also, Macbeth is both his subject and guest,
positions that require the demonstration of respect, loyalty and servility
towards his king and host. The tragic element of Macbeth's dilemma is also
brought to our attention in this scene (I.vii) where the tragic hero ponders
on the nature of retribution for such despicable acts and their tendency to
'return / To plague th'inventor.' His declaration that committing murder would
be easy if he could guarantee there would be no consequences only serves to
provide a sense of foreboding, insinuating that there will inevitably be terrible
consequences. Macbeth concludes that his only true motivation is ambition.
The corrupting and destructive power of unchecked ambition so becomes one
of the main themes of the play. Macbeth is unable to rein his ambition with
the influence of his moral values and so commits murder of the highest form.
Although it is against his better judgment - as proved by his lengthy internal
conflicts - ultimately his desire for power and advancement wins the battle.
However, Macbeth cannot be held entirely responsible for the way he chooses
to deal with his tragic dilemma. The character of Lady Macbeth has a powerful
influence over her husband's choice, mercilessly encouraging him to be strong
and reminding him to keep up his guard during the aftermath of the crime,
'But screw your courage to the sticking-place.' When Macbeth falters, she
frequently argues that his unwillingness to use violence is a direct comment
on his lack of masculinity. She even goes so far as to suggest that his ability
to follow through with the murder is directly aligned with his ability to
carry out a sexual act, 'To be the same in thine own act and valour / As thou
art in desire?' Equally ambitious as her husband, the only thing that holds
Lady Macbeth back is her sex. In her famous speech of Act I, Scene v she equates
murder with manhood and wishes away her female characteristics and therefore,
enable herself to murder Duncan. Clearly Macbeth ponders his dilemma for much
longer than his wife would, and consequently she is forced to intervene if
she wants Macbeth to rise to power, fearing that he is too full of 'th' milk
of human kindness' to carry out the deed alone. She is largely successful
in her endeavour to spur Macbeth on to act, indeed, to such an extent that
he no longer needs her assistance in conspiring to kill Banquo, and even uses
his wives technique of questioning manhood in persuading hired men to commit
murder. The argument that women are the root of chaos and evil in the play
- the main culprits being the witches and Lady Macbeth - can be seen as unfounded
in the light of Macbeth's actions after Duncan's murder. Lady Macbeth is largely
pushed to the background as she struggles with her conscience, and is no longer
of use to her husband.
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