Examples Of Degeneration In Macbeth

The Degeneration of Macbeth

Patricia Cornwell says “I believe the root of all evil is abuse of power”(Cornwell, Patricia). Macbeth is a great, respected man, until he is given power, as his power grows, Macbeth’s character changes greatly. This can be seen in Macbeth’s desire to defend his pride and prove his “manhood” throughout the play. Macbeth’s degeneration can be seen in the collapse of his marital relationship through the play. It can also be seen in his carelessness to commit bad acts, as Macbeth knows that he is going to hell already, he has no qualms about committing other bad sins. Macbeth’s degeneration can be seen in his desire to prove his manhood, the collapse of his marriage, and his carelessness to commit bad acts.

Macbeth’s

She is challenging him to take the crown he so badly desires, rather than live as a coward, always saying “I can’t” after saying “I would”. Macbeth's evil deed causes him to suffer from fear and guilt, which leads to even more evil crimes. Then Macbeth becomes paranoid, suffering from hallucinations and sleeplessness. For example, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost sitting in his place at the table and scares off his guests because of it.(William Shakespeare, 11-9). Banquo, toward the beginning of the play is Macbeth’s friend, but after a while Macbeth claims that every moment he is alive, it hurts his heart. This is shown when Macbeth says, “So is he mine; and in such bloody distance/ That every minute of his being thrusts/ Against my near’st of life.” (3.1.119-121) His ruthlessness in later killing Banquo and Macduff's family shows how perverted his idea of manliness really is. Macbeth says to Macduff “But get thee back. My soul is too much charged/ With blood of thine already.(5.8.5-6), telling Macduff, I have already killed your entire family, so maybe you should just leave. Macbeth’s desire to defend his pride and his “manhood” leads him to become more and more corrupt throughout the

At the beginning of the play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, have a general respect for eachother, they at least listen to each other. For example, When Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth her plan to kill Duncan, he listens and though it took a little convincing, he goes along with her plan.(William Shakespeare. Act 1) Lady Macbeth becomes more and more unimportant to her husband after killing Duncan, however. Macbeth even leaves her out of his plans to kill Banquo, Fleance, and Macduff's family.This can be seen in the conversion they have in act