Effects of Guilt in Macbeth - 776 Words

Zack Zirlott Paul Broussard English IV H October 26, 2011 Effects of Guilt in Macbeth The psychological effects of guilt are vividly depicted in Macbeth and cloud the mindset of characters throughout the play. In much of Macbeth, a sense of guilt Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both possess leads them to take actions that ultimately lead to their downfall. It is this sense of guilt that drives them both mad. Guilt plays a large part in influencing Macbeth and his wife act after they have committed their crimes. Shakespeare examines several aspects of Macbeth s life, focusing mainly on the change his character undergoes as the story progresses. Macbeth begins with three witches talking in a barren and lonely place in medieval†¦show more content†¦He cannot even pray because he is so guilt-ridden over his crime. The murder of his king does not mark the end of all of Macbeth’s troubles. This is only the beginning of a series of guilt-driven actions that are soon to come. It is not until we see Macbeth’s paranoia of his friend B anquo that we see more signs of guilt. Paranoid because of the witches prophecies stating Banquo’s sons will become kings, Macbeth orders men to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. The murders succeed in killing Banquo, but fail in the attempt to also slay his son. Once Macbeth receives news of the death of Banquo, he can return to his banquet. When approaching the table and his guests, Macbeth imagines the ghost of Banquo sitting in his chair. He begins to rant and shout to the conjured spirit, saying such things as â€Å"Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me/ Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the Earth hide thee.† Lady Macbeth is astonished by his outrageous statements and quickly removes Macbeth from the banquet. She blames his outbursts on a childhood illness, and explains to the lords that it is nothing to worry over. Macbeth is not the only one who suffers from guilt in this story, his wife Lady Macbeth is also a character who is overwhelmed by the effects of guilt. The guilt Lady Macbeth feels is from being the main cause to most of the actions that Macbeth takes to gain his power. TheShow MoreRelatedMacbeth: The Effects of Guilt Essay940 Words   |  4 Pages Macbeth, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare and edited by Maynard Mack and Robert Boynton, displays the many ways in which guilt manifests itself and the effects it has on its victims. Throughout the play, characters including Lady Macbeth are deeply affected by guilt in ways they had never expected. Macbeth takes its audience on a journey through the process in which guilty gradually eats away at Lady Macbeth and forces her to do what she thinks is best. Though Lady Macbeth may haveRead MoreThe Effect of Guilt and Evil in Macbeth764 Words   |  4 Pages‘The play, Macbeth, explores the effects of guilt and evil.’ Discuss. 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