Morality In Macbeth Essay

976 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Symbolism in macbeth shakespeare

Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century and depicts a Scottish general by the name of Macbeth, who hears a prophecy that dictates that he will become the Thane of Cawdor, as well as king of Scotland. The play then follows on Macbeth murdering his king and attempting to maintain control of the crown and also committing countless murders in order to do so. The theme of morality is constantly represented in Macbeth through its characters such as Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, biblical imagery, and quotes.

In Act ii Scene ii, Macbeth feels regret over the murder of King Duncan. This can be shown through a quote from the soliloquy of Macbeth, “Will all great Neptune’s oceans wash this blood from my hand? No, this my hand …show more content…

This directly translates to “ I will do whatever you say as long as I can keep a clear conscience”. This contrasts with Macbeth’s morality, as Macbeth is willing to put aside his morality in order to achieve his goals, while Banquo is inflexible in his morality, willing to do anything for Macbeth as long it does not stain his conscience. This also links back to the bible, as loyalty to God was a major concept in the bible. Because the king was chosen by God, if someone were to go against the king, then they would be going against God. Linking it back to “Macbeth”, Macbeth killing Duncan shows that Macbeth is going against God and disregarding his loyalty. On the other hand, the quote shows that Banquo is still loyal to Macbeth even though he is suspicious of Macbeth

Later in Act iii Scene iv of “Macbeth”, Macbeth has no qualms about killing, which is evidenced by the quote. “I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er”. What the quote signifies is that Macbeth has killed too many people for him to be able to return to the state he was in before killing King Duncan. Furthermore, Macbeth stating that he has done too much to go back now means that he no longer repents for his sins, which goes against the Christian concept of morality which had been established earlier on in the

Show More
Related

  • Macbeth Loyalty Quotes Analysis

    559 Words  | 2 Pages

    The question of Banquo towards Macbeth is whether he was loyal or disloyal. It is what events allowed a change in their relationship. In the start, he was loyal indeed to Macbeth. Suspecting Macbeth of murdering Duncan, he became weary. Banquo's trust towards him was tested many times. Banquo remembers what the “weird sisters” said. Confronting Macbeth of the uncertainties on his mind.

    Read More

  • Free Macbeth Essays: The Importance of Guilt

    626 Words  | 2 Pages

    Guilt surrounds Macbeth for the second time when he sends out the murderers to kill Banquo, his old friend. Macbeth had no other choice but to get rid of Banquo. Banquo had witnessed the three witches and the prophecies. One prophecy was that his son would become king one day "To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings"(Act3 scene1 line70). In order for Macbeth to be safe is to kill Banquo. Banquo may assume what had happened and tell the people of Scotland. "For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; for them the gracious Duncan have I murdered; Put rancors in the vessel of my peace only for them, and mine eternal jewel".

    Read More

  • Macbeth Banquo Quotes

    784 Words  | 2 Pages

    A lot like Macbeth, the character Banquo was also a highly skilled soldier, and very much trusted by their king, even though Macbeth respects Banquo’s bravery he also fears his wisdom. While Macbeth is quick to action and has little to no time for thought Banquo chooses not to turn his thoughts into action, Banquo is however a lot more cautious as shown when he and Macbeth met the three witches. Banquo actually considers the reasons for what the witches are offering and later realizes they are telling him his future and thinks that the witches are attempting to make him greedy for power. Macbeth however reacts oppositely. Banquo actually considers the reasons for what the witches are offering and rather than thinking about the outcomes of his

    Read More

  • Macbeth: 'Another One Bites The Dust'

    1118 Words  | 3 Pages

    To begin with, Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare that believed to have taken place around 1606. This play dramatizes the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of those who seek power for ones’ sake. In this play a Scottish General named Macbeth receives predictions from three witches that voice him he will one day become the King of Scotland. With determination his wife takes action convincing him to murder King Duncan therefore he would become king. Macbeth then becomes paranoid and filled with guilt, forcing him to commit more murders to protect himself from suspicion. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth then receive the madness of death.

    Read More

  • The Duplicitous Nature of Macbeth by Shakespeare

    711 Words  | 2 Pages

    When Macbeth seizes power, he disposes of Banquo to solidify his throne. Before his search for power, Macbeth and Banquo, the two valiant soldiers, were always at each other’s side. But then Macbeth offers Banquo an opportunity to raise his status by helping to commit regicide. Banquo refuses to help and Macbeth realizes he then must kill his best friend to preserve his power. Banquo suggests he won’t harm Duncan when he reveals, “So I lose none/ In seeking to augment it, but still keep/ My bosom franc...

    Read More

  • Banquo And The Juxtaposition In Macbeth

    1378 Words  | 3 Pages

    Both Banquo and Macbeth are introduced as loyal captains in the king`s army, but as the play progresses, Macbeth is overcome with the desire of power due to his reception of the prophecies. Upon hearing, Banquo does not become greedy for power, but, alternatively, he is suspect and cautious begins wondering if “we [Macbeth and Banquo] eaten on the insane root that takes the reason prisoner?” (1.3). Realizing the witches were simply trying to make him ambitious, Banquo remains loyal to his king and his country, despite knowing that he will have a dynasty to rule Scotland. Despite having the motivation, Banquo does not commit treason against his king but rather wants to “keep my [his] bosom franchis'd and allegiance clear” (2.1), meaning that he has no desire to betray the king for personal gain. Conversely, upon hearing the witches’ prophecies, Macbeth becomes ambitious for power and follows them blindly. He is curious about the witches’ prophecies and demands they “stay… [and] tell me [him] more” (1.3). When he hears that the prophecy that his heirs will rule Scotland he will be king, Macbeth`s ambition is born and his thoughts instantly turn to murder, even though the witches had not mentioned murdering King Duncan which shows that Macbeth has previously thought about murdering his king. As a result, Macbeth has no loyalty to neither his king nor his country and commits treason. While both Banquo and Macbeth hear the witches` prophecies that promised power, only Macbeth conceded to their prophecy and became overcame with ambition. Macbeth is a direct antithesis to the honorable, dependent Banquo. He transforms into a greedy man who is obsessed with his

    Read More

  • Macbeth's Corruption

    1293 Words  | 3 Pages

    After murdering Duncan, Macbeth feels that he needs to kill Banquo. He is afraid that Banquo is going to be a problem for him. He is suspicious that Banquo believes Macbeth had something to do with Duncan's murder, "Our fears in Banquo/ Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature/ Reigns that which would be feared" (3.1.47-49). He plans to kill him, though Banquo has made no direct threat against Macbeth. He speaks of feeling inferior to Banquo, even though he is king. "There is none but he/ Whose being I do fear; and under him/ My genius is rebuked" (3.1.53-55). Banquo is Macbeth's closest friend, he is starting to lose trust in everyone around him.

    Read More

  • More Then a Noble Perception

    602 Words  | 2 Pages

    Banquo is Macbeth's best friend in the tragedy. Banquo is with Macbeth when Macbeth meets the witches and they tell him of his upcoming fortune. Banquo notices how Macbeth is too ambitious after he sees Macbeth's reaction to the witches predictions. He feels even though Macbeth is his best friend he feels Macbeth is capable of wrong doing in the future to get what he wants. This is shown in one aside after they leave the witches. "…And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray 's in deepest consequence. Cousins, a word, I pray you. (Act1, SceneIII,line123)" This quote is stating that Banquo thinks Macbeth may do anything to get what he wants no matter what the consequences are. Duncan is the King of Scotland and Macbeth's leader. Duncan's view of Macbeth is narrow-minded. He perceives him as a loyal, noble, trustworthy, soldier whom he is very fond of. Duncan also feels Macbeth is the reason for them winning the war. There is many times in the play where this is pointed out by the things Duncan says. For example, "Give me your hand. Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly, And shall continue our graces towards him...(Act1, SceneVI,line29)" This quote shows that Duncan seems to feel like he owes Macbeth something for his loyalties and bravery in the war. Duncan's perception of Macbeth will prove to be his downfall.

    Read More

  • The Change Of Morality In Shakespeare's Macbeth

    799 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth’s morality changes throughout the course of the play. He goes from being reluctant to kill an innocent man, to paying mercenaries to kill his best friend, just because his children and descendants will be kings, according to the prophecies. Macbeth’s morality changes through influences, such as his wife’s pressuring, the witches’ prophecy, and the fact that his plan worked for so long.

    Read More

  • Macbeth: Corruption of Power

    561 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed as a courageous and well-respected soldier who is loyal to his King and country. He is described by one of King Duncan's men as “brave Macbeth.” As a result of his bravery on the battlefield, Duncan decides to reward Macbeth with a new title – the Thane of Cawdor – as the last Thane was proven to be disloyal; however, Macbeth is unaware of this, and this creates tension in the audience. The opening scenes show that Macbeth is a powerful and courageous man who is not naturally inclined to do wrong, but is capable of being brutal when he needs to be. The meeting with the witches also reveal that Macbeth is a very ambitious man who craves an even greater power. There is contrast between Macbeth’s and Banquo’s attitudes towards the witches’ prophecies. Whilst Banquo dismissed the witches’ prophecies, Macbeth was “rapt withal.” This shows that Macbeth has thought about being “king hereafter.” Macbeth's first soliloquy reveals his deep desire to be king. His soliloquy also reveals that he would do anything to achieve it.

    Read More

  • Betrayal In Macbeth

    779 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’ is a play that demonstrates the theme of betrayal to varying extent. Macbeth to a great extent that illustrates betrayal and Macduff betrays to a less extent, however, his betrayal is driven by noble. The unfaithfulness of the two characters is followed by consequences. Juxtaposing to Macbeth and Macduff, Banquo implies no extent of betrayal because he hasn’t betrayed anyone throughout the play.

    Read More

  • Free Essays - Character Changes in Macbeth

    565 Words  | 2 Pages

    & nbsp; Later in the play, Banquo starts to have a bad feeling about Macbeth. " Thou hast it now: King, Cowdor, Glamis, all,/ as the weird women promised, and I fear/ thou play'dst most foully for t." III i 1-3, this is a quote from Banquo explaining how he feels about Macbeth's predictions coming true.

    Read More

  • Illusion vs. Reality in Macbeth

    1741 Words  | 4 Pages

    Macbeth’s ambition to obtain power convinces him that it is his destiny to become King of Scotland, and that he should do anything to fulfill that destiny, even if it involves him committing tremendously immoral acts such as murder. After Macbeth realizes that the witches may actually speak the truth due to the second prophecy (Thane of Cawdor) becoming true, he begins to have an eerie and frightening thought of him killing his king and friend, Duncan, in order to ac...

    Read More

  • Ambition In Macbeth Essay

    926 Words  | 2 Pages

    Based on the text it states, “And, on thy blade and dudgeon, gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There’s no such thing. It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Now o’er the one-half world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse…..I have done the deed.” This illustrates that Macbeth went through with the plan his wife cameup with. He killed King Duncan so he could become King. His ambition caused him to take part and do a bad action such as killing Duncan. The killing and wrong doings don't stop there however. Macbeth’s ambition pushes him to the limit. Macbeth then kills his close friend Banquo and attempted to kill Banquo’s son, based on fears that Banquo’s son will become king. Macbeth brings forth murderers and states, “ Know That it was he, in the times past, which held you So under fortune, which you thought had been Our innocent self…. So is he mine, and in such bloody distance That every minute of his being thrusts Against my near’st of life. And though I could With barefaced power sweep him from my sight.” Macbeth deceives the Murderers and tells them that Banquo is to blame for their misfortune. He then convinces them that Banquo is the enemy and he must be killed. Macbeth also tells them, “The moment on ’t, for ’t must be done tonight….Fleance, his son, that keeps

    Read More

  • The Power of Fear in Shakespeare's Macbeth

    958 Words  | 2 Pages

    Here, Macbeth realizes that if something is not done to Banquo, his sons will become Kings.  Macbeth can not have this. He had already worried that his soul will go to hell for what he had done. His fear become evident in this scene also, "But to be safely thus: our fears in Banquo Stick deep;" [Act III, S I, L 53-54] Macbeth has Banquo murdered,

    Read More

More about Morality In Macbeth Essay

Open Document