Close Reading Assignment 1; 1.4.55-60

In this short passage from Macbeth, Shakespeare uses various types of figurative language and motifs to portray the theme. The motifs of darkness and light and blindness and sight contribute deep meaning to this passage.  The light represents truth and sight knowledge, darkness dishonesty and blindness ignorance.  Shakespeare uses this language to illustrate Macbeth’s moral struggle. Ever since the three witches told Macbeth of his prophecy of becoming King and the Thane of Cawdor, he has shown that he does not like his fate, until now, when he realizes deep down that he truly desires the power.  This is shown through the passage “The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down or else o’erleap; for in my way it lies” (1.4.55-57). This is the turning point in Macbeth’s ambition where he starts to consider how his fate will play out in his favor.  Shakespeare uses the motif of darkness and light to demonstrate the effect of this prophecy, “ Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand yet let that be which the eye fears, when it is done to see” (1.4.57-60). Shakespeare uses light in this passage to represent the truth in humanity and uses the black to cover up what is the truth. So Macbeth is hiding important things in his life to achieve his deepest desire, which is to become King.  He implies that appearances and images are not always as they seem or appear. This connects to Macbeth’s prophecy inferring that he will cheat the truth and lie to achieve these deepest desires. Also the eye represents that one can physically see, but is metaphorically blind to the truth, which also connects to Macbeth’s attempt to disguise his ambition. This passage reminds me of the influential politician during the Renaissance era, Machiavelli. He is famous for this quote, “The end justifies the means” meaning that anything you must do to achieve your goal is justifiable. Although this may be a stretch for the position that Macbeth is in currently, I believe the two connect because in this passage he proclaims that he will do anything to get the Prince of Cumberland out of his path to the throne.