The Turning Points in Macbeth: an Analysis of Peripety

Introduction

In literary studies, the concept of peripety, or a sudden reversal of fortune, plays a crucial role in the development of narratives, particularly in tragedies. William Shakespeare's Macbeth is a quintessential example of a tragic play where peripety serves as a pivotal mechanism driving the plot and character transformations. The play, written in the early 17th century, explores themes of ambition, power, guilt, and fate. Through the character of Macbeth, Shakespeare delves into the psychological and moral consequences of unchecked ambition. This essay examines three significant instances of peripety in Macbeth: the moment Macbeth decides to murder King Duncan, the turning point when Banquo's ghost appears at the banquet, and the scene where Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth's death and the advancing army. These moments not only mark critical shifts in Macbeth's fortunes but also underscore the thematic concerns of the play.

Peripety in the Murder of King Duncan

The decision to murder King Duncan represents the first major peripety in Macbeth. Initially, Macbeth is depicted as a loyal and honorable soldier, celebrated for his bravery in battle. However, the prophecy of the three witches, combined with Lady Macbeth's manipulative encouragement, triggers a profound internal conflict. The turning point occurs in Act I, Scene VII, when Macbeth resolves to commit regicide. This decision marks a dramatic shift from a noble hero to a man willing to forsake his morals for power. The immediate consequence of Duncan’s murder is Macbeth's ascension to the throne, but it also sets off a chain of events that lead to his eventual downfall. The peripety here is not merely the act of murder but the irreversible change in Macbeth's character and destiny. This moment also reflects the play's exploration of ambition and moral corruption, illustrating how a single decision can alter the course of one's life irrevocably.

The Banquet and Banquo's Ghost

Another significant peripety occurs during the banquet in Act III, Scene IV, when Banquo’s ghost appears to Macbeth. By this point, Macbeth has already secured his position as king through further bloodshed, including the murder of his friend Banquo. The banquet is intended to solidify his rule and present a façade of stability and legitimacy. However, the ghost’s appearance triggers a dramatic reversal in Macbeth's fortunes. Visibly shaken and paranoid, Macbeth’s erratic behavior in front of his guests reveals his guilt and mental instability. This moment of peripety shifts the perception of Macbeth from a powerful monarch to a tyrant losing his grip on reality. The public display of his fear and guilt undermines his authority and foreshadows his eventual downfall. This scene underscores the theme of guilt and the psychological consequences of unchecked ambition, illustrating how Macbeth's actions continue to haunt him, both literally and figuratively.

Lady Macbeth's Death and the Final Battle

The final critical peripety in Macbeth occurs in Act V, Scene V, when Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth's death and the advancing army led by Malcolm. This moment marks the culmination of Macbeth's tragic arc. Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth has been a driving force behind Macbeth’s actions, and her death signifies the collapse of their partnership and the beginning of the end for Macbeth. The news of her death, delivered in the iconic "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" soliloquy, reveals Macbeth's existential despair and recognition of the futility of his ambitions. Concurrently, the approach of Malcolm's army signifies the imminent threat to Macbeth’s reign. This dual peripety – personal loss and external threat – encapsulates the complete reversal of Macbeth's fortunes. He is no longer the ambitious warrior but a desolate, isolated figure facing inevitable defeat. This final turning point highlights the play's themes of fate, retribution, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.

Conclusion

In Macbeth, Shakespeare masterfully employs peripety to drive the narrative and deepen the tragic dimensions of the play. The moments of reversal – the decision to murder Duncan, the appearance of Banquo's ghost, and the death of Lady Macbeth – each mark significant shifts in Macbeth's fortunes and character. These peripeties not only propel the plot forward but also illuminate the play’s central themes of ambition, guilt, and moral disintegration. Through Macbeth's journey, Shakespeare explores the devastating consequences of overreaching ambition and the inevitable downfall that follows. The peripeties in Macbeth serve as crucial turning points that transform the protagonist from a celebrated hero to a tragic figure, underscoring the timeless relevance of the play’s themes and the enduring power of Shakespeare’s tragic vision.