Paradox and equivocation
in Macbeth as it relates to...
 

Character
Plot
Mood
Modern Politics

    Macbeth is the story of a man who takes his fate into his own hands.   The play, by Shakespeare, is full of paradoxical and equivocal statements that help develop character, plot, and mood.  The unique style of paradox and equivocation can say one thing that can be taken many ways.  Because of the prophecies made by the witches, Macbeth is confident that things will turn out well for him and lead him to believe he is some what immortal.  After the first two prophecies come true he begins to rely on them until all he has left are the prophecies.  Ironically even though the prophecies imply a great reign, they are actually predicting his downfall.
    In many ways the Macbeth story is similar to the Gunpowder plot to kill King James and others in congress.  The plot called for Guy Fawkes, and other Roman Catholics to blow up the Houses of Parliament.  They wanted a Catholic leader on the thrown. (Macbeth, Mulherin, 9-10)  In England, at that time, there was much turmoil between societies and their leader much like in Macbeth where Scotland is in turmoil with it's King.  Guy Fawkes intended to kill James like MacDuff was going to kill Macbeth.  The difference is that MacDuff succeeded and Fawkes didn't.  The gunpowder plot was revealed the day before it was about to take place.  Guy Fawkes was hanged for treason and to this day we still remember November 5th as Guy Fawkes Day.