Perspective-Changing Experiences In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

Macbeth is an action-packed story of ambition, treason, murder, and power. But it is more than just that; it comments on the human nature and how people change over their lives. In Macbeth, William Shakespeare develops the idea that perspective-changing experiences affect the way an individual interprets the world. In other words, the things an individual goes through cause a change in perspective. That change has the power to affect the individual’s outlook on life and how they interpret their surroundings. For example, Macbeth comes across new information which changes the way he sees the world. Additionally, he is forced into something he didn’t want to do, after being manipulated. Finally, Macbeth gains substantial power over an entire kingdom, which alters his view of himself as well as the kingdom. All these events cause a significant change in the way he views his surroundings. …show more content…
For example, Macbeth is impacted by the three witches’ prophecies. They tell him that he is Thane of Glamis, will become Thane of Cawdor, and will one day be king of Scotland. When the first two predictions come true, Macbeth expects the third one to be truthful as well. Internally, he begins to regard himself highly. Macbeth’s perspectives and outlook on life change when he is told he is going to be king, and he is filled with ambition. He begins to see his surroundings as an obstacle to overcome, knowing that one day he will be great and powerful. This is a change in perspective influencing how he perceives the world. He begins to think less of the people around him, seeing them not as friends, but as threats to his