Macbeth Guilt Essay

In act III of William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Macbeth, Macbeth plans the murder of Banquo and his son, Fleance, outside the royal castle at Forres in order to end the prophecy of Banquo’s sons taking control of Macbeth’s newfound throne. Macbeth hired three murderers to do this deed, as he was not man enough to do it himself as Lady Macbeth had said time and time again, and was able to convince them to do this by making them believe that Banquo is their enemy. He reminded them, “that it was he [Banquo], in the times past, which held you so under fortune, which you thought had been our innocent self… Do you find your patience so predominant in your nature that you can let this go?” (Shakespeare 3.1.85)

Shakespeare’s story Macbeth is a play that contains guilt, pleasure, and manipulation. The character Macbeth was always loyal to his king that he had served, King Duncan, until Macbeth’s wife Lady Macbeth manipulated him into killing his king that he has been so loyal to. Macbeth thought that it was absurd to think that way, but she made it possible to make him think that it is a good idea to get him what he wanted, to be king. Macbeth made a deal with three witches to that he could become king if he completed his three prophecies, they gave him. He completed the job of murdering the king and has become king, but he was reminded of something, that his friend Banquo were still here and that he also made a deal with the witches to make his son

Secondly, Macbeth sees Banquo as a threat stating, “But to be safely thus: our fears in Banquo” (Shakespeare 3.1.53). Macbeth suggesting Banquo as a threat foreshadows his plan to murder Banquo. Additionally, it proves his paranoia since he is willing to commit another murder to conceal his first. Since, Macbeth did not want anyone to discover his murder, he knows how murder is viewed proving his opposition to

Following murdering Duncan, Macbeth exclaims “this is a sorry sight.” Contrastingly to the battlefield, Macbeth is not proud of his murder. Formerly taking pride in his killings, away from the battlefield the effect on him away from battle is drastic. Macbeths conscience displays feelings of regret and remorse here, conveyed by the adjective “sorry.” Shakespeare develops the motif of disturbed sleep further emphasizing his guilt by illustrating that Macbeth has murdered sleep both literally and figuratively.

In the next scene, Macbeth and his wife execute their murder plot and temporarily escape any suspicion that they are the culprits. This murder showcases Macbeth’s greed as he was aware of the positive reputation that King Duncan had in Scotland, but murdered him anyway to eliminate anyone that stood in the way of the throne. Next, Macbeth sets out to murder his former best friend Banquo and his son Fleance as the prophecies revealed that Banquo’s sons would ascend to the throne. “So is he mine; and in such bloody distance, That every minute of his being thrusts Against my near'st of life.” (Shakespeare 25)

Lauralee Swartz Brandie Trent AP Literature March 15, 2023 Shakesphere is a hard writer to understand, but once you get the hang of things, you will realize everything has a connection as you read further into this essay. I will be helping the readers understand two main allusions Shakespeare gives us. In the beginning, Macbeth has Banquo killed to be out of his way of the throne.

Macbeth is a dark play written by Shakespeare. It is about a kingdom in Scotland in which the people living there turn on each other and don't know who to trust. Macbeth changes from an innocent man to a murderous villain. In the end, his cockiness will get the best of him. Throughout the play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses many literary devices to convey the theme, “guilt cannot be washed away.”

Macbeth, by Shakespeare, is a story of a great warrior named Macbeth who was told by three witches that he would become king. This prediction makes him think it is justified to kill the current king and once he is king he believes that he is invincible. In Macbeth, many symbols are used such as a dagger that isn’t there, hallucinations of blood, and ghosts to show the overwhelming guilt that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have over the murders to highlight the theme that guilt can drive people to insanity when kept in secret. First of all, Macbeth is alone and has decided that he is going to kill King Duncan. All of a sudden he sees a dagger but can’t feel it and says, “I have thee not, and yet I see thee still” (Shakespeare 2.1.35).

It is the impression of responsibility for this poor action that has been committed. In this play, there are many ideas, but guilt is one of the most significant ones. It teaches important lessons to the readers, with everlasting morals. In Act 2, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth chose to commit a sin, killing King Duncan, at his stay at Macbeth’s kingdom.

Once Macbeth acquires the throne, he completes the three prophecies. However, this promise of power corrupts him and pushes him to act further, despite already having the throne. When discussing the implications of Banquo’s prophecies, Macbeth proclaims, “To be thus is nothing, But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo Stick deep” (3.1.52-54). Banquo’s deep friendship means nothing to Macbeth, as he decides to kill him as quickly as the snap of a finger.

Guilt is a feeling that consumes a person and follows them around. This feeling usually happens when one has committed an offence, crime, violation or wrong act. It is the feeling of responsibility for this poor action that has been committed. The author of Macbeth, William Shakespeare, has wrote plays that capture a varying range of emotions that affect many walks of life. In this play, guilt is one of the most significant theme throughout, being displayed countless times.

In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth makes the decision to murder his friend, Banquo, which results in a dramatic character change, cementing his personality. The exact moment he changes is illustrated in Act 3, Scene 1, lines 51-77. Initially, Macbeth sees Banquo as a strong competitor for the throne, and this scares Macbeth. This worry is the first time Macbeth’s

it finds heaven, must find it out tonight” (III, ii, 161-2). In this quote, Macbeth explicitly states that he is going to murder Banquo because to protect his kingship. This showcases Macbeth’s motivation to achieve his goal, at any cost. He is willing to murder his kinsmen to achieve his goal.

If’t be so, / For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; / For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered,” (3.1, 65-71). Shakespeare shows the fear of Macbeth’s character. Macbeth goes on to try and kill Banquo’s son because his fears led him to. As a result, Macbeth kills his best friend and tried to kill his sons because of his insecurities.

”(Macbeth 3.1 43) Macbeth tries to get the men’s anger and resentment towards Banquo to convince them to do this harsh deed. Macbeth continues his convincing by trying to explain why it is completely necessary for Banquo to be killed. “ Have you considered my speeches? Know that it was he in the times past, which held you so underfortune, which you thought had been your innocent self.”