The Role Of Guilt In Macbeth
After the thirst for power had consumed Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, apparent visions began to overwhelm the lovers to the point of insanity. The role of the reoccurring hallucinations was enough to conjure up senses of guilt and shame, which ultimately contributed to their downfall. Throughout the play, Macbeth suffers from several hallucinations such as the dagger appearing before him, the ghost of Banquo, and the blood on his hands. Although Macbeth had succeeded in gaining power, he did not succeed in avoiding his demise.
At first, Macbeth is hesitant at the thought of killing King Duncan, but Lady Macbeth strongly encourages him to kill in order to get what he wants. Her character appears to be manipulative and condescending towards her …show more content…
One character that served as a potential threat would be Banquo, because he was the only one who knew of the witches’ prophecy. Macbeth also knew that the witches told Banquo his sons would one day be king. Macbeth knew he was a threat to his title and had him killed. In act III.4, the ghost of Banquo makes an appearance and sits in Macbeth’s seat at the table. Seeing his ghost, Macbeth begins to breakdown at the feast and Lady Macbeth tries to reassure the guests that he is fine. The hallucination of Banquo’s ghost symbolizes Macbeth’s guilty conscience. “Blood hath been shed ere now, I’ th’ olden time, ere humane statute purged the gentle weal; ay, and since too, murders have been performed too terrible for the ear” (Macbeth 53). He becomes delirious but then lashes out at the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth tells him “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; thou hast no speculation in those eyes which thou dost glare with” (54). This contributes to his downfall in the end because Macbeth starts to become more and more unstable and irrational. He becomes drunk with power and kills anyone in his way. This does not exhibit noble behavior and actually starts a war within Scotland. Unlike Duncan, Macbeth is a mad king and doesn’t appeal to the people because of his actions. If the people don’t support him, then how can
At first, Macbeth is hesitant at the thought of killing King Duncan, but Lady Macbeth strongly encourages him to kill in order to get what he wants. Her character appears to be manipulative and condescending towards her …show more content…
One character that served as a potential threat would be Banquo, because he was the only one who knew of the witches’ prophecy. Macbeth also knew that the witches told Banquo his sons would one day be king. Macbeth knew he was a threat to his title and had him killed. In act III.4, the ghost of Banquo makes an appearance and sits in Macbeth’s seat at the table. Seeing his ghost, Macbeth begins to breakdown at the feast and Lady Macbeth tries to reassure the guests that he is fine. The hallucination of Banquo’s ghost symbolizes Macbeth’s guilty conscience. “Blood hath been shed ere now, I’ th’ olden time, ere humane statute purged the gentle weal; ay, and since too, murders have been performed too terrible for the ear” (Macbeth 53). He becomes delirious but then lashes out at the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth tells him “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; thou hast no speculation in those eyes which thou dost glare with” (54). This contributes to his downfall in the end because Macbeth starts to become more and more unstable and irrational. He becomes drunk with power and kills anyone in his way. This does not exhibit noble behavior and actually starts a war within Scotland. Unlike Duncan, Macbeth is a mad king and doesn’t appeal to the people because of his actions. If the people don’t support him, then how can