Shakespeare once said, “Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind,” In the tragic play, Macbeth, we see the idea of guilt being shown throughout the play. Macbeth, the tragic hero, puts aside his honor and moral responsibility to gain more power and position that leads to his tragic ending. Shakespeare describes the image of guilt throughout the entire play and points out that blood is the main symbol that triggers Macbeth to become mad. This all began when the witches called Macbeth over to tell him that he will become Thane of Cawdor, eventually King, and that Banquo’s sons will be king.
Although Macbeth has a devious plan in mind, he starts off by realizing that what he is doing is wrong. In Act 1 Scene 7, we see that Macbeth has second-guessed …show more content…
In Act 5 Scene 1, Lady Macbeth’s guilt is finally affecting her. She begins to sleepwalk and talk about the murders that have been committed. Also, in her sleep, she imagines herself washing blood off her hands. This routine and her sleepwalking are indications and proof of her guilt. Eventually, Lady Macbeth commits suicide, in which her guilt is believed to be the cause of her death. In the end, her regretful conscience got the best of her. (Reid p182-183) In other events, Macbeth goes psychotic and begins to fight with Malcolm. Instead of surrendering to Malcolm, Macbeth continues to fight and is killed by Macduff. Macbeth’s desire for power leaves him dead as well. In conclusion, guilt is shown through different symbols in the play. Guilt is hinted at through Macbeth’s internal conflict and the many gory images. Guilt is a result of many obstacles that are faced in life, specifically crimes and violations. Not only does it haunt you, but also that feeling can permanently remain. You are responsible for your actions and you have to be aware of what is to come. The desire for something can make a man mad. You may start off as someone who is cautious of his or her actions, but your attraction for something can take over whom you truly can be. Macbeth’s poor
Although Macbeth has a devious plan in mind, he starts off by realizing that what he is doing is wrong. In Act 1 Scene 7, we see that Macbeth has second-guessed …show more content…
In Act 5 Scene 1, Lady Macbeth’s guilt is finally affecting her. She begins to sleepwalk and talk about the murders that have been committed. Also, in her sleep, she imagines herself washing blood off her hands. This routine and her sleepwalking are indications and proof of her guilt. Eventually, Lady Macbeth commits suicide, in which her guilt is believed to be the cause of her death. In the end, her regretful conscience got the best of her. (Reid p182-183) In other events, Macbeth goes psychotic and begins to fight with Malcolm. Instead of surrendering to Malcolm, Macbeth continues to fight and is killed by Macduff. Macbeth’s desire for power leaves him dead as well. In conclusion, guilt is shown through different symbols in the play. Guilt is hinted at through Macbeth’s internal conflict and the many gory images. Guilt is a result of many obstacles that are faced in life, specifically crimes and violations. Not only does it haunt you, but also that feeling can permanently remain. You are responsible for your actions and you have to be aware of what is to come. The desire for something can make a man mad. You may start off as someone who is cautious of his or her actions, but your attraction for something can take over whom you truly can be. Macbeth’s poor