nothing much anymore in his view. This remark shows that Macbeth has changed his views on life from the once life-loving person he once was. Macbeth’s statement: “The service and the loyalty I owe,/ In doing it, pays itself” (1.4.22-23) shows that he liked his work and life, as he needed not any money in return for his duties; but now, he does not show this anymore. In the second last scene, Macbeth is now all alone in the castle, except for, perhaps, Seyton, and encounters Macduff. During their conversation and fight, Macbeth thinks at first that Macduff cannot challenge him, but then Macduff says that he “was from his mother’s womb/ Untimely ripp’d” (5.8.15-16). Macbeth, after he hears this, realises that he has been deceived by the three witches. He then decides that even though the prophecies came true (in a way much to his dismay), he will fight and not surrender to be shamed. Here, Macbeth can be seen as more independent and determined, in contrast to his irresolute self when Lady Macbeth and he talked of and committed the murder. The character change is very real in the scene as he is no longer one who depends on and capitulates to others in times other than war; everyone he knows and has major ties to are gone and thus he must act alone. These scenes at the end of the play really show the effect of isolation and relation cutoffs on Macbeth’s
nothing much anymore in his view. This remark shows that Macbeth has changed his views on life from the once life-loving person he once was. Macbeth’s statement: “The service and the loyalty I owe,/ In doing it, pays itself” (1.4.22-23) shows that he liked his work and life, as he needed not any money in return for his duties; but now, he does not show this anymore. In the second last scene, Macbeth is now all alone in the castle, except for, perhaps, Seyton, and encounters Macduff. During their conversation and fight, Macbeth thinks at first that Macduff cannot challenge him, but then Macduff says that he “was from his mother’s womb/ Untimely ripp’d” (5.8.15-16). Macbeth, after he hears this, realises that he has been deceived by the three witches. He then decides that even though the prophecies came true (in a way much to his dismay), he will fight and not surrender to be shamed. Here, Macbeth can be seen as more independent and determined, in contrast to his irresolute self when Lady Macbeth and he talked of and committed the murder. The character change is very real in the scene as he is no longer one who depends on and capitulates to others in times other than war; everyone he knows and has major ties to are gone and thus he must act alone. These scenes at the end of the play really show the effect of isolation and relation cutoffs on Macbeth’s