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Greed cannot control one’s actions, it destroys humanity as a whole; and fills the world with fear and darkness. Greed for power and wealth can result in the destruction of oneself as well as others; it leaves society with an unquenchable thirst for power. In the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the author indicates that there are negative consequences that occur due to motivation brought on by greed. The negative consequences are shown through mental impacts, environmental aspects and the loss of loved ones. Greed is a major component in society because it leads to corruptions and destruction. This play is a great example that shows how greed is capable of creating harmful situations that are unfixable.
The first negative consequences
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are first shown through the mental illnesses that are brought on by greed. Mental illnesses are a cause because of the desire and dedication Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have to become King and Queen. Mental illness illustrates through sleep deprivation and hallucinations. In the play, sleep deprivation is one prime example that demonstrates how motivation brought on by greed has negative consequences. Sleep deprivation illustrates an example of a mental illness, in the play Macbeth says, “Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep In the affliction of these terrible dreams, That shake us nightly: better with dead” (3.2.17-19). This quote shows how Macbeth is not sleeping or eating which is torturing him, instead of feeling accomplish for killing Duncan. The reason Macbeth is not able to sleep is because he has nightmares of Duncan murdering him, which helps indicate his illness of sleep deprivation. It torments him and leads to “heat oppressed brain,” the stage of R.E.M are not complete which helps lead to this mental illness. This shows his hunger of wanting to kill Duncan is destroying him and is affecting the ability of his brain to function. In addition, hallucination portrays another example of negative consequences. Hallucinations leave many in misery and insanity because of the major affects it has. For example, Ross: His absence sir, Lays blame upon his promise. Please your highness to grace us with your highness? Macbeth: The table is full Lennox: Here, my good lord. What is’t that moves your highness? Macbeth: Which of you have done? (3.4. 44-49) This example demonstrates Macbeth hallucinating because he sees there are no empty seats available, due to Banquo’s ghost. Seeing Banquo’s ghost shows he is mentally unstable and can no longer focus clearly. This shows that serious mental illnesses occur because the mind is “better to be dead than live in doubtful joy”. Greed is a very powerful emotion in humanity and leaves one feeling powerless. However, motivation brought on by greed only brings fear that drives one to focus on something specific, which in this case is greed, Macbeth want to become superior and more powerful. It destroys and affects the mind mentally due to the guilt that is building up and has the ability to inverse the structure of an individual as well as society. Another negative consequence that is illustrated throughout the play is the environmental aspects.
The environmental aspects change because of the negative outcomes that occur in society after the incidents. The environmental aspects are social stress within individuals and the inverse in society, which leads to dismissive lifestyles. In the play, social stress shows the effects greed has, for instance, Banquo says, “ Thou play’dst most foully for’t: yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity, But that myself should be the root and father” (3.1. 3- 5). This depicts an image of trust disappearing because Banquo suspects Macbeth for the killing of Duncan. Macbeth’s own friend is going against him because he is loosing trust in him, this shows relationships are changing because of the current events that have occurred. Loosing faith in trust within each other occurs towards the end of the play, this helps to indicate the change in relationships within friends, spouse and others due to the inspiration brought on by greed. Society is changing drastically due to the negative effects of greed. Moving on, another example is the inverse in society. For example, an old man says, “ On Tuesday last, A falcon towering in her pride of place was by a mousing owl hawk’d at and kill’d” (2.4. 11-13). This is an example that helps identify the change in structure, such as the weak are defeating the strong. In this situation everything inverts, the prey are killing the predators. …show more content…
This shows that everything alters along with the whole structure of society due to greed. However, throughout the play greed shows that relationships are torn because greed represents an individual with dark personalities, such as selfishness. There are many harmful and life threatening actions that greed is capable of achieving. Lastly, greed can lead to many negative consequences that endanger the lives of loved ones. Danger puts many lives in jeopardy because of the hazardous actions that occur in situations. In the play, Macbeth’s urge of killing Duncan and Lady Macbeth committing suicide illustrate the danger of loved one. Macbeth’s actions in killing Duncan are due to motivation brought on by greed. For example, the doctor states, “Do breed unnatural troubles: Infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets: More needs she the divine than the physician. God, God forgive us all! Look after her, Remove from her the means of all annoyance, (5.1. 71-75). This quote shows that Lady Macbeth is overwhelm with everything and does not have the ability to suffer through it. Lady Macbeth’s desire to be Queen vanishes away, as thoughts of dying takes over and can no longer live with it. It indicates how greed leads one into a dark path with no escaping and guilt begins to take over, along with overthinking and anxiousness. Furthermore, another negative consequence that occurs is, Macbeth’s desire in harming Duncan, in order to become king. For example, Macbeth says, “ For in my way, it lies. Stars, hide your fire! Let not light see my black and deep desire. (1.4. 50-51). This quote sh/÷ows how Macbeth’s wish for becoming king is growing on him because he is starting to believe in evil thoughts that endanger the life of another. His greed expands even more throughout the play because of motivation from Lady Macbeth. It shows Macbeth’s mind is overpowered by the idea of becoming king and is turning into a “dark Macbeth”. His desire diminishes his ego and drives him out of focus. Greed is driven further due to motivation; motivation makes an individual eager in wanting and needing something passionately. It is an important factor in life, since society is motivated into receiving their desires regarding the negative consequences. In conclusion, Greed leaves an individual mentally and physically weak because of the outcomes it puts on individuals and society.
The play Macbeth, demonstrates how there are negative consequences that occur due to motivation brought on by greed. These negative consequences occur throughout the play such as, the mental illnesses, the environmental consequences and the loss of loved ones. Greed drives Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to insanity, as a result of their minds becoming imprison. This then leads to hallucinations and sleep deprivation because the mind cannot cure the damages. It is hard for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to be capable of curing their mental disorder and eventually breaks down. Moreover, the play demonstrates how the environment within society changes due to social stress and the inverse in society. Relationships within society are affected because the loss in trust and faith vanishes. This demonstrates how Banquo’s faith and trust no longer exists in Macbeth after the murder of Duncan. It leaves everyone feeling they are in a nightmare they cannot escape because of the vast changes. On the other hand, it leaves the superior such as Macbeth in danger. This is illustrated through the transition in prey killing the predators; this represents how drastic change occurs because of what greed does. Change in society affects everyone and every thing, including lifestyle. The loss of loved ones occur because of how greed leaves people in mental and physical
disturbance. Macbeth’s desire in killing Duncan and Lady Macbeth committing suicide shows that times like these leave people in a dark path filled with evil and selfish thoughts. All in all, greed is a humanly act that leaves one blind from their actions, along with the ability to take over ones ego.
Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" is considered one of his great tragedies. The play fully uses plot, character, setting, atmosphere, diction and imagery to create a compelling drama. The general setting of Macbeth is tenth and eleventh century Scotland. The play is about a once loyal and trusted noble of Scotland who, after a meeting with three witches, becomes ambitious and plans the murder of the king. After doing so and claiming the throne, he faces the other nobles of Scotland who try to stop him. In the play, Macbeth faces an internal conflict with his opposing decisions. On one hand, he has to decide of he is to assassinate the king in order to claim his throne. This would result in his death for treason if he is caught, and he would also have to kill his friend. On the other hand, if he is to not kill him, he may never realize his ambitious dreams of ruling Scotland. Another of his internal struggles is his decision of killing his friend Banquo. After hiring murderers to kill him, Macbeth begins to see Banquo's ghost which drives him crazy, possibly a result of his guilty conscience. Macbeth's external conflict is with Macduff and his forces trying to avenge the king and end Macbeth's reign over Scotland. One specific motif is considered the major theme, which represents the overall atmosphere throughout the play. This motif is "fair is foul and foul is fair."
In conclusion, Macbeth is a victim of external forces. In this story you would learn the negative things about greed. Why you should not be greedy, and the consequences you would face. Shakespeare uses Macbeth to show terrible effects that ambition and guilt can have on a man who lacks strength of characters. Bravery, self-doubt, and ambition was the mastery of Macbeth throughout the play. In my opinion, this was very explainable of what greed exactly means. In the beginning, shows a brave and capable warrior; Macbeth, and things just fall apart for him at the end of the play. You should really read this, because it gives examples of greed and the consequences they
In the play of “Macbeth”, Shakespeare gradually and effectively deepens our understanding of the themes and most importantly the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The main theme of Macbeth is ambition, and how it compels the main characters to pursue it. The antagonists of the play are the three witches, who symbolise the theme appearance and reality. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relation is an irony throughout the play, as most of their relation is based on greed and power. This is different from most of Shakespeare’s other plays, which are mostly based on romance and trust. There is also guilt that leads Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to the final consequences of the play. As the progresses, the constant changes in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are exposed.
The aspect of greed shows itself as the heart of the many immoral acts committed by fictional characters and real people. From Adam and Eve’s betrayal to Macbeth’s collapse portrays what greed can produce as a result: destruction. Whether it destroys one’s health, it inherently portrays as a force to the path of corruption. The Pardoner, from The Canterbury Tales, defines greed’s purpose. This includes how greed pulls them to degeneration. No matter how subtle the fall, it still brings to distasteful events for the characters from The Importance of Being Earnest. Although the characters differ, their obsessions with their immoral acts decline their personalities. Thus, the authors portray the characters’ greed, as a pernicious force that drives
Because of the witches’ prophecies, Lady Macbeth’s ambition and Macbeth’s greed, Macbeth diverges from his values and principles, corrupting him and ultimately leading to his downfall. Because of their greed and pride, the characters in the Tragedy of Macbeth end up not only losing everything that was important to them, but also the path on life they had tried so hard to stay on. Greed and pride shatters the fate that one would have had, whether fate is defined as where one would want to end up, or as where one will end up at.
Macbeth: How Money Killed Many of our friends at Wall Street have serious heart problems; some of them even die years before they should because of the stress that is brought on by the money and greed of Wall Street. Money is also evident as a health risk in Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice, both written by William Shakespeare. On Wall Street people are driven by the greed of the people they represent, their own greed, and a general atmosphere of greed. In Macbeth, Macbeth is driven by personal ambition and his wife to become king at any expense, including slaying some of his personal friends and their families. Also, in The Merchant of Venice, Shylock
The play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare illustrates how greed for power and wealth can result in the destruction of oneself as well as others. The play's central character, Macbeth is not happy as a high-ranking thane - leading him to assassinate Duncan to become King, while unknowingly dooming himself. Throughout the play many examples are evident of Macbeth's unquenchable thirst for power.
Perhaps the most fundamental theme of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the inherent corruptibility of even a seemingly good man when ambition turns to greed, and Macbeth himself exemplifies this concept throughout the play. While at the outset he is seen to be loyal to his king, generally considered trustworthy, and displaying numerous other laudable qualities, Macbeth ultimately succumbs to the influence of those around him and becomes unequivocally evil, setting aside all his previously held morals and coming to be driven only by his lust for power. This transition is brought about by a wide variety of factors and plays an integral role in the development of the plot. In his tragedy Macbeth, William Shakespeare employs
While Macbeth is losing his morals, Lady Macbeth is developing hers. After Macbeth reveals his plot to kill Banquo, she is reluctant to add another murder to those already committed: “You must leave this”(3.3.40). In act three, another prophecy foretold by the witches comes true. The paradox “fair is foul and foul is fair” characterizes the changes the protagonists undergo in acts one, two, and three. Throughout the play, Macbeth, the “fair” one, becomes overcome by guilt and becomes “foul”.
In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth there were many cause and effects situations. All the events that occurred had a negative impact on the characters that were associated with the crimes. There was the betrayal of Thane of Cawdor, the murderer of King Duncan , and also the murderer of Banquo. Macbeth is a play about crime and punishment because the choices people made lead to their discipline physically or emotionally.
Macbeth shows how greed and ambition can bring down a person as well as others and how the changes of power occur because of loyalty and betrayal. Macbeth is the play’s main unhappy character. The play tells of Macbeth's greedy thirst for power is a dangerous trait.
Many things are affected in “Macbeth” because of hierarchy, a man’s wife and child are killed, and people descend into madness; if the system was something like a democracy, the whole situation would have
Throughout the play we are able to see the change Macbeth has encountered. He started out as a noble thane, content with his life. But as soon as the Three Sisters' have gotten the notion of Power in his head, we see his thrive for power ultimately corrupting him. By studying the impact power has on relationships in Macbeth, it is obvious that Banquo and Macbeth's relationship best represents the impact which the need for power can have on a relationship. This conclusively demonstrates that lust of power can drive people to doing the cruelest things in order to capture it.
“Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” Once said by Marc Twain, this is an excellent example of the human nature that is represented in the play: Macbeth. Shakespeare demonstrates that all humans have the ability to do good or evil. This is strongly affected by the choices that we make and by our actions. These decisions will have a huge impact on our lives and the lives of others. Throughout the play, Macbeth experienced a huge decent into evil and violent action that lead him to his death. With his thirst for power and constant paranoia, he killed his way to seize the crown. By killing Duncan at the beginning of the play, Macbeth soon realizes that nothing can be undone and his blood stained hands can never be cleaned. “A little water clears us of this deed” (2.3 70) said by Lady Macbeth after Duncan’s murder. But what they don’t know is that this is the start of the bloody massacre that will change who they are and how they think forever. Macbeth has multiple hallucinations and his paranoia leads him to hire murderers to kill Macduff’s family out of anger and spite. Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and gets to the point of madness when she kills herself at the end of the play. This demonstrates that our actions can be affected by human nature and our thoughts can be easily corrupted by temptation.
From the beginning of the play, Macbeth undergoes a complete change in character--from a virtuous nobleman into a monster. He has a tragic weakness--ambition--which, when released, draws him into a web of evil and corruption that finally leaves him with none of the noble human qualities he possessed at the beginning of the play.