Macbeth Theme Analysis
Gazing afar the galaxy of poets, none shines as brightly as William Shakespeare. Indeed, his ingenious depiction of characters, uncanny medley of vocabulary, and use of rhetorical devices was unprecedented. Shakespeare, in the famous play Macbeth, examines the psychological aspect of crime. He puts forth an interesting notion – that one could be easily shocked by crimes which appear abruptly in their full magnitude, but alleviated by the stratagem of self-deceit, one could be negligent of the gradual growth of one’s own wickedness and corruption as a consequence, which ultimately triggers more crimes.
Following the atrocious act of murdering Duncan, Macbeth, though engulfed by guilt, undergoes a subtle change in character and immediately contemplates yet another crime. Firstly, a major distinction can be seen between the first and second great crime pertaining Macbeth’s judgment. Prior to the murder of Duncan, a virtuous Macbeth shows reluctance towards temptation and sees the witches’ prophesy as merely a daunting yet inevitable burden. It is not through Lady Macbeth’s persistent instigation when he finally takes up the dagger. Afterwards, however, the last vestige of a righteous Macbeth has already begun to fade away, and in its place, an avaricious, selfish and resolute criminal. Notably, he says to the murderers, “So he is mine; and in such bloody distance that every minute of his being thrusts against my near’st of life” (3.1.115-117), meaning that every minute of Banquo’s existence eats away at his heart. His revulsion towards Banquo is emphasized by the hyperbole which in turn demonstrates that he would secure his crown even at the cost of betrayal. Moreover, Macbeth quotes, “Come, seeling night, scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day and with thy bloody and invisible hand cancel and tear to pieces that great bond which keeps me pale. […] Good things of day begin to droop and drowse; […] Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill” (3.2.46-55). In
Following the atrocious act of murdering Duncan, Macbeth, though engulfed by guilt, undergoes a subtle change in character and immediately contemplates yet another crime. Firstly, a major distinction can be seen between the first and second great crime pertaining Macbeth’s judgment. Prior to the murder of Duncan, a virtuous Macbeth shows reluctance towards temptation and sees the witches’ prophesy as merely a daunting yet inevitable burden. It is not through Lady Macbeth’s persistent instigation when he finally takes up the dagger. Afterwards, however, the last vestige of a righteous Macbeth has already begun to fade away, and in its place, an avaricious, selfish and resolute criminal. Notably, he says to the murderers, “So he is mine; and in such bloody distance that every minute of his being thrusts against my near’st of life” (3.1.115-117), meaning that every minute of Banquo’s existence eats away at his heart. His revulsion towards Banquo is emphasized by the hyperbole which in turn demonstrates that he would secure his crown even at the cost of betrayal. Moreover, Macbeth quotes, “Come, seeling night, scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day and with thy bloody and invisible hand cancel and tear to pieces that great bond which keeps me pale. […] Good things of day begin to droop and drowse; […] Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill” (3.2.46-55). In