Essay Analysis of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Superficial Villainy

“You're not quite evil enough. Well it's true! You're semi-evil. You're quasi-evil. You're the margarine of evil. You're the Diet Coke of evil. Just one calorie, not evil enough.” These lines could just have easily been spoken to the title character by his wife in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth as they were by Dr. Evil in Austin Powers. Because Macbeth claims, “I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent” (I.vii.25-26) in regard to their plan to kill King Duncan for the throne, Lady Macbeth has the audacity to question his masculinity, which she associates with violence and evil. Only through her perpetual provocation and abundant aggravation can Macbeth’s steadfast resolve break away to Lady Macbeth’s cruel intentions. Although Act I, Scene vii is comprised merely of a short soliloquy and slightly longer dialogue, this intense scene procures great depth and insight into the true character of both Macbeth and his wife, exposing that Macbeth’s villainy in the play is superficial, painted on by Lady Macbeth’s psychological manipulation.