Macbeth-Independence and Failure

Peasants of the early sixteenth century are often pictured carrying a bundle of limbs tied with vines on their backs. This is a perfect metaphor for the events in Macbeth. Macbeth is one of many thanes, or limbs, bundled together. The thanes are united by the king, or the vine. Scotland, or the peasant, carries the bundle by the sweat of his brow. They carry the bundle for fires on cold nights, or wars, and …

…in their true end. Lady Macbeth is merely detested; and though the courage of Macbeth preserves some esteem, yet every reader rejoices at his fall” (Johnson 484). In the end, Macbeth is independent, because he does not rely on his wife and he does not rely on the witches. Since the nation was restored to order, his death was for the better. “The universe that struck was more impressive” so he crumbled with lack of strength.