Futility In Macbeth

In Act V scene V, Macbeth contemplates whether the futility of life justifies his detestable actions. This scene suggests that Macbeth becomes very conscious of his mortality. Macbeth reflects on the meaninglessness of life when he states that “it is a tale/ Told by an idiot” (V, v, 29-30). With his wife’s death, Macbeth realizes that much of the meaning of his aspirations for power disappears. Lady Macbeth’s passing and the ruin of his power drives Macbeth over the edge. Macbeth sees that his life only matters to a certain few when he says “life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player” (V, v, 27). With his wife’s passing and armies marching towards him, he succumbs to the pessimism and guilt of his rule. Macbeth becomes so numb because of his