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Duncan is assassinated off stage. Banquo is murdered on stage, but Fleance, his son,

escapes. Finally, MacDuff's son is murdered on stage where the audience can see the event.
How does this escalation reflect and emphasize the change of character in Macbeth and the
effect of the conflict on him?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The increased visibility of murder in 'Macbeth' showcases Macbeth's character shift from hesitant perpetrator to desensitized tyrant, underlining the impact of his escalating conflict.

Step-by-step explanation:

The escalation of violence in Macbeth reflects and emphasizes the drastic change in Macbeth's character and the effect of the conflict on him. In the beginning, Duncan's assassination takes place off-stage, symbolizing Macbeth's initial hesitation and relative discretion in committing murder. As the play progresses, the murders become more blatant and are performed on-stage with Banquo and Macduff's son being killed before the audience, indicating Macbeth's growing desensitization to violence and his increasing boldness. This escalation contributes to the play's tension and highlights the moral decay of Macbeth, from a revered hero to a tyrant ruled by ambition and fear.

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