The Knocking in Macbeth's Head

This study employs a Lacanian psychoanalytic approach to Shakespeare's rendering of Macbeth's transformation from a loyal subject to a malicious tyrant. Drawing on Lacan's theories of language and desire, I argue that the witches' language that Macbeth would become king catalyzes his desire for power. While his desire to become king by murdering the current king is formed by the witches' temptation, Lady Macbeth helps him translate that temptation into action by using discursive force. I also argue that the witches' language also catalyzes her desire to become queen. Once Lady Macbeth's desire is manifested, I employ Lacan's theory of the "social l" to demonstrate how Lady Macbeth has no concern about her public self-image, as she contemplates murder to seize the crown for Macbeth. Furthermore, I contend that once Macbeth is crowned king, his desire continually circulates, as he desperately tries to secure the royal crown. By the end of the play, I argue that Macbeth's character realizes that his desire to secure the crown will always remain unsatisfied, and he has no hope left because Macduff is destined to defeat him in the last battle. Instead of being held prisoner and having his "social l" taunted for the rest of his life, Macbeth chooses to fight to the death.