Marxism in Macbeth

 

Macbeth is the most renowned tragedy by William Shakespeare. He well exhibited the comprehensive soul of humanity with an emphasise to the real and complex nature of human mind. All his plays are immortal and significant in all ages. Hence Ben jonson rightly said that "He was not of an age, but for all time!" in his poem To the Memory of My Beloved, the Author Mr. William Shakespeare.

Marxism as a literary theory, rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, analyzes literature through the lens of socio-economic structures and class struggle.

  In fact, Macbeth can be analysed through the lenses of Marxist literary theory, as it deals with the complexities of class struggle, power dynamics, and ideological elements .

 

 

Class and the  Feudal Context:

   Macbeth is set against a feudal backdrop, marked by a rigid class structure. The power to rule reaches from Duncan to the hands of Macbeth.  Which marks the feudalism prevalent in that time. They were considered as the noble people and they ruled the society.

Meanwhile, the lower classes, represented by commoners and servants. By clearly representing the two divisions in the society, Shakespeare clearly expresses the class consciousness of the drama.

 

Ideology and power /Hegemony:

The play focuses the rise and fall of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Their ideology is clearly depicted in the play. Their speeches reveal a desire  for the power. After becoming the king he turns to be despotic.  Because of the power / hegemony he executes his plans one after the other. He plans for the execution of Banquo and Lady Macduff etc.

 

Alienation and False Consciousness

   Characters in Macbeth experience varying degrees of alienation. Macbeth, driven by ambition, becomes increasingly detached from his moral aspects and relationships. Lady Macbeth undergoes a transformation, alienated by her guilt and ambition. The play portrays instances of false consciousness, where characters may not fully grasp the consequences of their actions, blinded by power and ambition.

 

Proletarian Elements and Working-Class Struggles:

   While the focus is on the aristocracy, Macbeth incorporates proletarian elements. The working-class characters, such as the servants and commoners, bear witness to the upheavals caused by the power struggles. Their experiences contribute to the general understanding of the society as they are helpless and the silent spectators of the actions happening around them.

 

Historical Materialism and Contextual Analysis:

   A Marxist reading of Macbeth focuses the  historical context of the Elizabethan era. The play engages with the socio-political realities of Shakespeare's time, echoing concerns about political stability, power, and the impact of individual actions on the society.

 

Hence Marxist analysis of Macbeth focuses on the complex interplay of class struggle, power dynamics, and ideological influences within the feudal society depicted in the play. Shakespeare's exploration of these themes provides a lens through which to understand the socio-economic complexities of his times and the  universal aspects of human nature and social structures.