Human nature as reflected in Macbeth
Human nature as reflected in Macbeth
Human nature has sparked much debate throughout history. Some people think that human nature at birth is absolutely good and that all evil comes from postnatal education or the negative effects of parental or guardian interaction. This idea is evident in a Chinese saying which translates as "Men at their birth are naturally good." Conversely some people argue that human nature is initially evil, and provide an example by citing the observation that when a person is very young, he or she always and only asks for food and is indifferent to the feelings of others. Such a view interprets this phenomenon to indicate that human nature is originally selfish. It seems clear that Shakespeare may have favored the second perspective because in Macbeth it clearly shows that human nature is selfish, and even though postnatal education can change a human’s mind, it can only reduce or hide his or her selfish nature to some extent, and in addition, the selfish nature will most likely be present when it is activated or spurred by certain circumstances.
My idea about human nature is reflected in Shakespeare’s character, Macbeth, who initially is a loyal general to his king, Duncan, and valiantly protects his king and country also showing nobility and little indication of his darker side. In Act 1 Scene 2, it is clear that Macbeth was a brave soldier who ignored the danger he was in, "[f]or brave Macbeth disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valour’s minion, carved out his passage till he faced" the rebel leader. Macbeth’s heroic deed demonstrates that he was loyal to his country and the king who calls him a "peerless kinsman" and appears to trust Macbeth. However, after meeting three witches, Macbeth thinks of murdering Duncan although he wonders to himself why he has murderous thoughts. Despite his earlier surprise about his thoughts when he is told by the witches that he will become king
Human nature has sparked much debate throughout history. Some people think that human nature at birth is absolutely good and that all evil comes from postnatal education or the negative effects of parental or guardian interaction. This idea is evident in a Chinese saying which translates as "Men at their birth are naturally good." Conversely some people argue that human nature is initially evil, and provide an example by citing the observation that when a person is very young, he or she always and only asks for food and is indifferent to the feelings of others. Such a view interprets this phenomenon to indicate that human nature is originally selfish. It seems clear that Shakespeare may have favored the second perspective because in Macbeth it clearly shows that human nature is selfish, and even though postnatal education can change a human’s mind, it can only reduce or hide his or her selfish nature to some extent, and in addition, the selfish nature will most likely be present when it is activated or spurred by certain circumstances.
My idea about human nature is reflected in Shakespeare’s character, Macbeth, who initially is a loyal general to his king, Duncan, and valiantly protects his king and country also showing nobility and little indication of his darker side. In Act 1 Scene 2, it is clear that Macbeth was a brave soldier who ignored the danger he was in, "[f]or brave Macbeth disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valour’s minion, carved out his passage till he faced" the rebel leader. Macbeth’s heroic deed demonstrates that he was loyal to his country and the king who calls him a "peerless kinsman" and appears to trust Macbeth. However, after meeting three witches, Macbeth thinks of murdering Duncan although he wonders to himself why he has murderous thoughts. Despite his earlier surprise about his thoughts when he is told by the witches that he will become king