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How has Macbeth changed in this act from Acts 1 and 2?

Macbeth has undergone several significant changes in Act 3 compared to his portrayal in Acts 1 and 2:

Increased Guilt and Paranoia:

- Macbeth becomes increasingly consumed by guilt after committing the murders of Duncan and Banquo. He experiences hallucinations, such as seeing Banquo's ghost during the banquet, symbolizing his growing mental turmoil.

- His paranoia deepens as he becomes obsessed with securing his power and eliminating any potential threats, leading him to order the deaths of Macduff's family.

Loss of Emotional Control:

- In contrast to his earlier cunning and composure, Macbeth displays moments of emotional instability. He lashes out furiously at his wife, Lady Macbeth, expressing his frustration and inability to escape the weight of his actions.

- His emotional vulnerability becomes evident when he breaks down during the banquet, revealing his deteriorating mental state.

Desperation and Tyranny:

- Act 3 marks a shift towards increasingly tyrannical behavior from Macbeth. He becomes ruthless and desperate in his pursuit of power, resorting to extreme measures to maintain his position.

- His reign is characterized by fear and oppression, leading to widespread discontent among his subjects.

Changing Relationship with Lady Macbeth:

- The previously unified partnership between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begins to strain under the weight of their crimes.

- Lady Macbeth shows signs of unraveling due to her guilt, which Macbeth dismisses rather than offering support. Their dynamic shifts as Macbeth distances himself from her emotional turmoil.

These changes showcase Macbeth's transformation from an ambitious but conflicted individual to a morally compromised tyrant haunted by his actions.

Stage Acting

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