Shakespeare created many minor character in his plays and Lennox is one of them but who is Lennox in Macbeth? In Act 3, Scene 6, Lennox showed his growing scepticism, saying
“Things have been strangely borne.”
This statement clearly implies that Macbeth is uneasy among the Scottish nobles. Lennox holds a significant position in the Scottish nobility. Thanks to his loyalty towards Duncan and Macbeth which helped him influence the political intrigue. His character says a lot about his loyalty and support to Macbeth when he was descending to tyranny. Shakespeare has used Lennox to portray the political tension in Scotland. Lennox made a subtle criticism and observation. Because of his play, we could understand the unchecked ambition and erosion of governance happening in Macbeth’s reign.
Who Is Lennox in Macbeth?
Although Lennox’s part is small in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, he plays a significant role there. His role is that of a Scottish nobleman or thane. In his initial plays, he was a loyal supporter of King Duncan. Later on, he was evolving into a skeptical and wary observer of Macbeth seeing his tyrannical rule.
All the Scottish nobles could see the corrupt and violent actions of their new king. This created an unease and discontent environment in their reign. So they needed a voice to reflect the doings of the king. And Lennox was the subtle voice here.
Loyal Thane
Lennox’s role clearly shows his loyalty, and he is also aligned with the ruling power. You can see his early scenes of the discussion between Ducan’s nobility. They are all discussing Macbeth’s valor in battle after Ducan’s death
Witness to Tyranny
Lennox was suspicious about Macbeth’s power. So he expressed his doubts firmly. You can see some of his sarcasm and ironic comments in Act 3, Scene 6. He is among the first ones to find out about the murder of Duncan. Later, he witnesses the sins committed by him.
Political Insight
Everyone was aware of the political turmoil going on in Scotland. Thanks to Lennox’s sheer observation. Macbeth’s ambition has often created an unstable environment, and Lennox underscored that clearly. He thinks that Macbeth might get punished or face death because of his wrongdoings.
Voice of the Nobility
Lennox was the voice of all Scottish nobles. At first, he was loyal to Macbeth, but later on, he shifted to opposition mirrors which caused discontent. This led to a rebellion of Scottish nobles against Macbeth.
Role in the Plot
Although Lennox is not a central character in Macbeth, his role gave an insight to set an uprising against Macbeth. Also, his interactions conveyed a resistance to Macbeth’s tyranny.
Lennox’s Introduction and Position
Noble Status
So, who is Lennox in Macbeth? Lennox is a Scottish nobleman with high status and influence in the kingdom. That’s why he is considered one of the Thanes there. People among the Scottish nobility respect him as he plays important roles in discussions and decisions in the royal court. His power and responsibility towards the kingdom’s governance tell a lot that he is indeed a significant person in Scotland’s feudal system.
Initial Loyalty to Ducan
The initial plays of Lennox highlight his loyalty towards King Duncan. You can see in the moments of Duncan’s murder where Lennox interacted with his fellow nobles. He showed them how much he respected his king and adhered to his established order. But we could also see the contrast in Lennox’s character when he responded to Macbeth’s actions.
Lennox’s Role in Key Events
Witness to Duncan’s Murder
The after-scenes of Duncan’s murder show some crucial roles of Lennox. You will see in Act 2, Scene 3, that Lennox was the one who first discovered the king’s death.
The gracious Duncan Was pitied of Macbeth: marry, he was dead; And the right-valiant Banquo walked too late; Whom, you may say, if ’t please you, Fleance killed, For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too late.
He was shocked and confused seeing the incident. He described all possible events that happened on that night. Like fierce storms, and strange cries. Thanks to his observation, that helped to set the untold tragedy.
Role in Banquo’s Death
The more Lennox’s play progresses, the more his role gets complexed. In Act 3, Scene 4, Lennox had a conversation with Macbeth in the banquet scene. This scene revealed his growing skepticism perfectly. Although he initially believed in Macbeth’s explanation, his later scenes showed doubts on Macbeth’s involvement when Duncan and Banquo died. In Act 3, Scene 6, Lennox questions Macbeth’s rule out of suspicions. This was a significant shift for him from a loyal Thane to a critical observer of Macbeth.
Shift in Allegiance
Initial Loyalty
After Duncan’s murder, Lennox was abiding by all orders of Macbeth. He gave congratulatory support and trust to Macbeth. However, as time goes on, he becomes aware of the tyranny in Macbeth and wants him to stop. Eventually he supports Malcolm as the rightful king
Growing Skeptism
Lennox started shifting his behavior in Act 3, Scene 6. There, he had a conversation with a nobleman who criticizes Macbeth’s rule. At the same time, Lennox discusses the circumstances that happened in Duncan’s and Banquo’s deaths. Since all facts were revealing, Lennox started to gain doubt on Macbeth.
Sarcastic Commentary
Irony and Sarcasm
With sarcasm, Lennox made ironic comments. For example, he said that Macbeth is handling the kingdom very well. This is an ironic remark as we know that Macbeth is creating chaos and is very oppressive against people who raise their voices against him.
Subtle Criticism
Lennox was in delusion with Macbeth’s tyranny behavior. So he questioned Macbeth’s actions. He, like the porter, make an impression with his short presence and voice his hattred against Macbeth.
Veiled Critique
Some sort of veiled critique was seen in Lennox’s dialogues. He made ironic comments on the state affairs that were under Macbeth’s rule. This was like a veiled critique that unfolded Macbeth’s growth by finding out the follies of Macbeth.
Example Dialogue
In Act 3, Scene 6, you will see that Lennox is praising Macbeth in a sarcastic way. He is just having a subtle rebellion against Macbeth’s authority. In short, he is showing dissatisfaction towards Macbeth’s leadership.
Apart from this he says,
“Our suffering country under a hand accursed! We can not take this situation.”
This shows his patriotism and he urges his companions to take action against the tyranny of Macbeth.
Lennox’s Interaction With Other Characters
Interaction with Other Nobles
Lennox had interactive conversations with Scottish nobles. For example, his interaction with Ross underscored a discontent with Macbeth’s rule. In fact, you will see in Act 3, Scene 6, where Lennox discusses tragic events of Macbeth’s rule that befall Scotland. In this scene, Lennox figures out that Macbeth has a hand in the murder of Duncan and Banquo. Afterwards, Lennox developed skepticism for Macbeth, making unease among Thanes.
Relationship With Macbeth
Like other nobles, Lennox was respecting Macbeth initially. But, as the play progressed, Macbeth’s tyranny was becoming visible to Lennox. That’s why, Lennox gradually shifted his behavior and demeanor. He unveils Macbeth’s deeds in Act 3, Scene 6.
Lennox as a Symbol of Political Awareness
Voice of Reason
Lennox was a character in the Scottish nobility. He always chooses his words carefully. That’s why he could judge the political instability posed by Macbeth. This also saved him from falling in any danger, as his approaches were very cautious.
Political Commentary
You will see that most of Lennox’s comments were sarcastic and ironic. He criticized Macbeth’s power, but in an unnatural way. He has described that the murders of rightful figures and the flight of heirs were not an accident, Macbeth has involvement in that. All his speeches were like political commentary, highlighting the tyrannical leadership in a vague way.
Lennox’s Contribution To The Play’s Themes
Moral Integrity
Lennox’s actions and speeches show moral integrity in him. He has highlighted the contrast of corruption happening in Scotland because of Macbeth. Also, he has recognized the degradation of values caused by Macbeth. Instead of creating any chaos, he maintained ethical principles by reminding us about the standards that must be reclaimed.
Advocate for Justice
Malcom and Lennox formed a growing alignment that was opposed to Macbeth’s position. Lennox literally stood as an advocate of justice. He wanted to cleanse the kingdom and establish a natural order. He thinks highly of Malcolm and asks him to install order by saying
“Some holy angel Fly to the court of England and unfold His message ere he come, that a swift blessing May soon return to this our suffering country Under a hand accursed!”
In short, Lennox is playing the role of an essential figure in the themes of legitimacy and justice.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now know who is Lennox in Macbeth. Although Lennox is a minor character in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, he played a pivotal role here. His journey started as a loyal supporter of Duncan. Then he started to become skeptical about Macbeth’s rule as it was creating nothing but political tension. Lennox’s questioning elements have made the Scottish nobility wary of Macbeth’s tyrannical behavior. His character evolution was all about a loyal thane to exploring the corrupting influence. He has highlighted the dangers caused by Macbeth’s unchecked ambition. It was Lennox in Shakespere’s Macbeth who left the example of restoring justice by going against the Thane in an ethical manner.
