Humanism and the Importance of Its Users’ Intentions in Macbeth

In today’s world, people are often judged not only by their deeds, but also by the motives behind these deeds. A ‘good’ deed can be performed, but it is only truly good if the intentions are well-meaning. Humanism is an example of these deeds for which the intentions are vital for the effects of such actions. In Macbeth, humanism is a clear theme that Shakespeare uses through his characters. He provides many examples of humanism and its effects to clearly illustrate his purpose towards humanism in writing the play. Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of good intentions in humanism by portraying the effects of immoral use through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the regrets made by Macbeth after such immoral use, and the results of benevolent use through Macduff and Malcolm.

Shakespeare shows the hurtful effects of malevolent humanistic intentions through Macbeth and his wife’s many attempts to actively change fate and create opportunities for themselves, rather than merely waiting for their destiny to happen in its own time. Shakespeare shows Macbeth’s obsession with changing his fate when Macbeth says to himself that “[his] thought…shakes so [his] single state of man that function is smothered in surmise, and nothing is but what is not” (Shakespeare I, iii 152-155). Macbeth is clearly deep in thought about the potential results of changing his fate, though the acts of humanism in mind are sinful in every way. Shakespeare writes this quote so that it can be inferred that nothing good can come from immorally altering one’s fate. Later in Act 1, Lady Macbeth clearly praises corrupt humanism when she says about Macbeth, “Thou wouldst be great, art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it” (Shakespeare I, v 18-20)...

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...en killed, he uses humanism in a way that it should be used: to save his own and his brother’s lives. Shakespeare uses both Macduff’s and Malcolm’s uses of humanism to demonstrate how humanism should be applied to life.

Throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare explains his view of both humanism and how it should be used through the characterization of both the good and evil characters in the play. He also stresses the importance of good intentions when using humanism. Though he does not openly protest it, Shakespeare does provide some caveats regarding humanism. This serves as a good reminder that although sometimes it may seem like life could be improved by being more active and humanistic, it is, at times, better to just allow matters to take their course. Ultimately, Shakespeare warns against misuse of humanism and advocates for using humanism properly and in moderation.