Essay on Macbeth and Guilt

Submitted By brendyboo
Words: 1708
Pages: 7
Open Document
Manifesting guilt in the tragedy of Macbeth According to The Dictionary of Psychology, guilt is defined as an emotional state produced by the knowledge that one has violated moral standards. Most authorities recognized an emotional state as guilt only when the individual has internalized the moral standards of the society (thus it is distinguished from simple fear of punishment from external source). Based on this definition guilt is a powerful feeling of remorse that haunts the conscience, is self-administered and can take control of your life. A good example of guilt can be seen through the principal character of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth who undergoes a deep feeling of regret due to the murder of King Duncan. His wife and partner in crime, Lady Macbeth, unveils a transformation of character and feels repentance which is identified later on in the play through her incidents of sleepwalking. And at last, the noble Macduff, Thane of Fife, dwells in the state of guilt because he abandoned his family for his country. In the tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth’s haunted conscience, Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking and Macduff’s abandonment of his family dramatically depict the physiological effects of guilt. Foremost, through the experiences of Macbeth it is shown that self-destructive guilt cannot be assuaged by recourse to action nor by even the most determined effort to obliterate the pangs of conscience by active engagement in denial and transference. Throughout this Scottish tragedy there are many different types of guilty feelings that play a role in Macbeth’s fatal decisions that led him to his downfall. Macbeth is first introduced in the wounded captain’s account of his battlefield valor; our initial impression is of a brave and capable warrior. This perspective is complicated, however, once Macbeth is seen interacting with the Weird sisters who prophesize that Macbeth will be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. This scene first recognizes that Macbeth has little curiosity to reign over the entire country of Scotland. Macbeth says, “Without my stir” (I.I.144). This quote by Macbeth has been said as an aside when in a conversation with Banquo to tell the readers that Macbeth believes in the prophecies and in order to fulfill the last prediction, he must murder the King. The thought of such behavior disturbs him so he tries to get a grip of himself; he does not want to get his hands bloody and decides that he will leave it to fate. It is then realized that his physical courage is joined by a consuming ambition and a tendency to self-doubt; the prediction that he will be king brings him joy, but it also creates inner turmoil. Later on in the play during the opening scene of Act II, Shakespeare then reveals to the readers the guilt that Macbeth is experiencing due to the preparation of the King’s assassination during the “dagger’s soliloquy”. While in his soliloquy Macbeth says, I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? Or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation… (II.I.35-38)
Macbeth’s words indicate that he is hallucinating a dagger in front of him; he envisions this murder weapon instead of the crown. Macbeth is starting to become mentally fragile and is seen by the readers that he is being tormented. This quote proves that Macbeth is feeling quite guilty and is dreading the deed/crime. Even after the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth feels a lot of guilt, shame and regret. He is substantiated as a multidimensional villain who has a lot of uncertainty of conscience and is not unremittingly evil. This dynamic/round/complex character shows regression (not progression) and has good qualities that are being overshadowed by one poor decision. This is evidence is supported when Macbeth says, “To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself. Wake Duncan with thy knocking. I would thou
Show More

Related Documents: Essay on Macbeth and Guilt

Guilt In Macbeth

Macbeth. Guilty or not guilty? You be the Judge. Guilt is a recurring theme explored throughout literature and drama. Guilt can be explored through various language and dramatic techniques. Within Macbeth, Shakespeare suggests Guilt and Conscience is a powerful force which drives characters to mentally deteriorate. This is communicated in Macbeth's Dagger soliloquy in Act 2 Scene 1, where he has a hallucination of a bloody dagger and asks himself" Or art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation…

Words 530 - Pages 3

Macbeth Guilt

Timed Write Macbeth is a work of literature that forces the protagonist, Macbeth, to contend with an aspect of the past: his guilt. Stemming from one of the first few acts of the play, Macbeth is constantly bombarded with reminders of his greed and guilt, which reinforces the play’s theme; nobody is immune to the destructive nature of guilt and greed. His deplorable actions and guilt had a lasting impact on his life and decision making process, which further proves that Macbeth is not immune to…

Words 751 - Pages 4

Significance Of Guilt In Macbeth

Shakespeare’s Macbeth In Macbeth, 2.2.13-93 irony, metaphors and theme topic guilt. This passage is significant because of the use of irony that use foreshadows lady Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s madness. Also from the use of metaphors that create images of sleep as a positive necessity (Jabbur). Finally, this passage is significant because of it reveals how Macbeth is driven into madness due to guilt (Rasanathan). This passage is significant because of its use of irony that foreshadow Lady Macbeth and…

Words 546 - Pages 3

Examples Of Guilt In Macbeth

Guilt is one of the side effects that a person feels after they have done something bad or before they do something bad. In the world today guilt is used in TV shows, books, and movies. One modern example of guilt was used in the show Icarly. When Sam changed Carly’s grade to an A, because Carly got a B on her paper for using hole punched paper. Carly found out that Sam changed the grade and it started eating her up slowly until she was a mess. Later on in the show she ends up telling Principal Franklin…

Words 1000 - Pages 4

Essay On Guilt In Macbeth

Guilt automatically leads one to ponder and (1)scrutinize their every move based on the assumption they’ll get caught and punished. It pushes the individual to put themselves in “panic mode” and behave irrationally. They’ll question every little thing they say or move they’ll make, and wonder if the people around them are as trustworthy as they claim to be. The mind tricks themselves into thinking that the life they’ll live from here on out is a, “every man for themselves” situation. These ideas…

Words 1406 - Pages 6

The Role Of Guilt In Macbeth

Macbeth is a tragedy play written by Shakespeare. Most of Shakespeare’s writings have moral stories, for example “Othello” is based on the decisions of characters and the actions after them involving guilt and supernatural causes that can foresee events in the near future. “Macbeth” Is a play revolving around Macbeth whom happens to stumble upon three witches. They tell Macbeth and Banquo a prediction of how he will become king and start to praise him. This will influence him to commit the ultimate…

Words 659 - Pages 3

Role Of Guilt In Macbeth

productions is Macbeth. Macbeth tells the story of Macbeth, a scottish nobleman, and his journey to becoming king and his life after he became the king of Scotland. Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth, is more of the brains in the operation. However, towards the end of the play she ultimately commits suicide. Lady Macbeth’s guilt eventually builds up until she breaks and takes her own life. All of her dark thoughts and deeds starts the quick downfall towards insanity and a terrible demise. Lady Macbeth felt no…

Words 824 - Pages 4

The Theme Of Guilt In Macbeth

Elder David A. Bednar once said, “Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body.” Perhaps the inspiration for such a hauntingly prolific statement stems from Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, in which the five acts contain themes of ambition, fate, but most notably, guilt. When Macbeth brainstormed the possible repercussions of killing King Duncan to take the throne, the soul-shattering guilt he would feel was not even mentioned. However, in the end, it is this guilt that leads to both his and Lady…

Words 156 - Pages 1

Effects Of Guilt In Macbeth

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, consists of numerous themes regarding the evil intentions and tragic downfall of the nobleman Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth. Hopeful prophecies that Macbeth receives, creates ambition and greed in both, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth which drives them to reach their goals and fulfill their fate. Along the way, through sinful deeds, they ultimately face the corrosive effects of guilt. The guilt they experience demonstrates the projection of their personal conflicts, directed…

Words 923 - Pages 4

Conscience And Guilt In Macbeth

one’s conscience and guilt will drive them to take forth in certain actions to obtain power. William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth demonstrates how a need for power can completely alter one’s judgement. In order to gain power, Macbeth must ignore his conscience which also allows him to avoid feelings of guilt; thereby, giving him the crown. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth obtains a conscience which leaves him with guilt when he finds ways to obtain power. Although Macbeth is determined to acquire…

Words 854 - Pages 4