e is to not be
subordinate to others like the king.
To be independent, one must be strong. Inner strength, not physical strength, is
needed. Inner strength is only accomplished by having a high self-esteem. Macbeth does
not and must use others to reach for independence. Macbeth needs this strength:
It [Macbeth] hurls a universe against a man, and if the universe that strikes
is more impressive than the man who is stricken, as great as his size and
gaunt as his soul may be he will fall. (Van Doren 217)
According to Macbeth's ideas of independence and of strength, he is neither independent
nor strong. He feels the need for both and thus allows nothing, including murder, to get
Shakespeare opens Macbeth with the disorder being stabilized by the king and
thanes. The thanes fought "rebellious arm 'gainst arm" to curb "his lavish spirit" (I, ii, 56-
7). Macbeth's stature increased to fill the space in the bundle of limbs opened by the
death of the Thane of Cawdor for "what he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won" (I, ii, 67).
"When we first see him [Macbeth] he is already invaded by those fears which are to render
him vicious and which are finally to make him abominable" (Van Doren 216).At the end of
Act I, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are discussing whether or not to assassinate the king (I,
...