The Subversion of Natural Order in "Macbeth"

The play "Macbeth" explores the existence of an alternative natural order existing alongside life as Macbeth knew it, which Macbeth chose to follow and which then defeated him. William Shakespeare explores this alternative order and its nexus with the natural order by exploring the transformation of three types of "nature" in "Macbeth." First, he explores the corruption of human nature through Macbeth's greed and ambition. Second, he explores the transformation of nature (which I shall distinguish by calling it Mother Nature) by aligning the weather in the play with Macbeth's actions. Third, he explores the subversion of the natural order of life in Scotland. Macbeth's nature undergoes subversion as he plans to betray his king and his country for his own personal ambition. Nature follows Macbeth's transformation, hanging dark and foreboding over the action in the play. Finally, the natural order of succession in Scotland is subverted by Macbeth's personal ambition.

One will never know whether Macbeth would have become King of Scotland had he not taken things into his own hands. But his decision to acquire the kingship by foul means is his first step in the play that begins the corruption of his and Lady Macbeth's natures and the subversion of the natural order of life as they knew it. Macbeth does not begin this subversion, however. The play begins with the three witches, who live and yet appear inhuman:

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tion that he can be King of Scotland comes the darkening of nature in the play: 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" (Macbeth, I. iv. 53-56). Macbeth begins to become detached from all human nature, as demonstrated by his unsupported (in the play, at least) portrayal of his wife's character in his letter to her. In addition, his wife calls for a transformation of her nature so that she can perform the most unnatural act: murder. She warns Macbeth to act falsely to his nature; to appear innocent and welcoming while plotting the murder of the king. Upon hearing of his possible ascension to the throne, Macbeth says "and nothing is/ But what is not" (I. iii. 140-41). Thereafter in the play, nothing appears to be what it is. When Duncan and his men approach Macbeth's castle they marvel at its pleasant air. Yet the reader knows that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have planned to murder Duncan in the castle that very night. But now Macbeth's nature is undergoing another transformation. Where before he was transformed from a man of honor to a man willing to betray his king, Lady Macbeth now rails that he is
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Approximate Word count = 1596
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)