How Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s fears in this speech.

In Act 3, Scene 1 of Macbeth, Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s fears as a central force driving his actions and leading to his eventual downfall. This extract reveals the depth of Macbeth’s paranoia, particularly in relation to Banquo, whom he sees as a significant threat to his power. In this speech, Macbeth expresses that being king is meaningless unless he can secure his position (“To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus”). This reveals that Macbeth’s primary fear is not just holding power, but maintaining it securely, which reflects his deepening surmise. Macbeth recognizes Banquo’s “royalty of nature” and “dauntless temper,” qualities that make him a formidable opponent. Macbeth fears that Banquo’s wisdom and courage could lead him to challenge Macbeth’s authority. This fear is not just personal but also tied to the idea that Banquo’s descendants are prophesied to inherit the throne, which threatens Macbeth’s legacy. Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s fear as maddening, he turns against everyone, including his closest friend – one that he won battles with. This may come across as a warning to anyone who had the slightest idea of committing treason against the King in Jacobean era, indicating that they will forever be plagued with mental torment.

The witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s lineage will rule torments Macbeth. He refers to his crown as “fruitless” and his sceptre as “barren,” emphasizing his fear that his power is temporary and will not be passed on to his own descendants. This fear drives him to consider further violent actions, as he feels he has committed terrible crimes (“For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind”) only to benefit Banquo’s heirs, not his own. This fear of losing his power to Banquo’s line leads Macbeth to challenge fate itself, showing his desperation and willingness to continue down a path of destruction.

Throughout “Macbeth”, Shakespeare explores how fear gradually consumes Macbeth, leading him to make increasingly irrational and violent decisions. After hearing the witches’ prophecy, Macbeth’s fear of losing power becomes his main motivation. This fear drives him to murder Duncan, and later, Banquo. His fear transforms from it being about the actual killing of Duncan (We will proceed no further in this business” – Act 1, Scene 7) to his crime being found out (“If we should fail?” – Act 1, Scene 7). We see his resolve crumbling from the aftermath of his murder act, his tone is authoritative and demanding when he reprimands Lady Macbeth, warning her they will “proceed no further”. Later, his tone changes to one of insecurity and fear as he becomes nervous of “fail[ing]” and being found out. One could argue that Macbeth’s fear is for the wrong reason, he is terrified of being exposed whereas he should be regretful for killing a man – a man who is the king and considered the greatest after God in The Great Chain of Beings.

Macbeth’s actions are driven by his intimidation that the prophecy about Banquo’s descendants will come true, which leads him to try to eliminate any threats to his throne. The Witches’ prophecies could be considered the beginning of his downfall and fear, it is the key which unlocks his ambition. His belief in them also acts as comfort when he becomes too unsure as he reassures himself: “I will tomorrow […] to the weird sisters”. Through them confirming their prophecies, he is alleviated of his wrongdoings and is slightly mentally relieved. Still, his turmoil worsens as; after murdering Duncan, Macbeth is immediately haunted by guilt and fear, imagining voices and being unable to sleep. His fear of retribution and loss of power causes him to see Banquo’s ghost at the banquet, symbolizing his inability to escape the consequences of his actions. This psychological torture highlights how Macbeth’s fears lead to his unravelling.

From the beginning to the end, Shakespeare emphasizes Macbeth’s fear of the afterlife as a key source of his inner conflict. Before killing Duncan, Macbeth is tormented by the thought of eternal damnation, saying, “If th’ assassination / Could trammel up the consequence, and catch / With his surcease, success,” expressing his wish that the murder could be the end of it without repercussions. The verb “trammel” highlights his desperation to escape the punishment he is sure to receive. However, he fears the judgment that awaits him after death, noting, “But in these cases / We still have judgment here,” highlighting his belief that his actions will be punished in the afterlife. His reference to “deep damnation” further reinforces his dread of the eternal consequences, showing that the fear of spiritual punishment weighs heavily on his conscience and affects his decision-making throughout the play.

In conclusion, Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s fears as a powerful force that drives him to commit horrific acts, ultimately leading to his downfall. His fear of losing power, both to Banquo and to the forces of fate, consumes him, causing him to spiral into madness and tyranny. This exploration of fear is central to the play, showing how it can corrupt even the most powerful individuals and lead to their destruction.