The Tragedy of Macbeth

The ending of The Tragedy of Macbeth is notably different from the traditional Shakespeare finale, mainly due to a new, wordless scene that leaves the story open-ended and more ambiguous. In the film, it is revealed that Fleance, Banquo’s son who was supposed to be dead after Macbeth’s murderous plot, is actually alive and hidden in the countryside by Ross. This detail is significant because, in Shakespeare’s original play and many adaptations, Fleance’s survival signifies a potential future threat to Macbeth’s throne, but his fate after that remains uncertain. Here, Ross is portrayed as a morally complex character, and his involvement hints that Fleance isn’t just fleeing but may be hidden away deliberately for his own purposes.

This subtle change shifts the tone of the story from a traditional tragedy ending with the restoration of order—Malcolm taking the throne after Macbeth’s death—to a darker, more unsettled future. With King Duncan’s death and Malcolm’s claiming of the throne, Shakespeare’s version offers hope for stability, emphasizing renewal and justice. However, Coen’s adaptation complicates this. By making Ross a sneaking conspirator and visually introducing a swarm of ravens over the closing shot, the film suggests that the struggle for power will not end peacefully. The fact that Fleance survives and is secretly protected indicates that a new cycle of chaos and violent power struggles is imminent, foreshadowing more conflict to come. This ending leaves viewers with a sense of uncertainty and cynicism, implying that the violence and treachery of Macbeth’s world are far from over, and peace might never truly be restored. In this way, Coen’s version offers a more nihilistic view of the story, where the cycle of violence continues unabated.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57