The Emotional Journey In William Shakespeare's Macbeth

“It only takes one step to head in the wrong direction.” Surely, many can relate to this quote made by Rhonda Roberts. In addition to people, its truth can also be personified in many characters found throughout literature. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is no exception. First thought to have been performed around 1606, William Shakespeare's Macbeth, further proved just how easily one can fall into an emotional downwards spiral with just one decision. The story circles around the main character, Macbeth, who, alongside his comrade Banquo, receives a prophecy promising him to one day become king. With this ambitious thought in mind, Macbeth begins an emotional journey as he continually takes steps to become king and secure his crown at the loss

In Act I, Scene II, a captain of King Duncan's army claims that Banquo and Macbeth “doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe” (2) and fought bravely enough in battle to be recognized by the king. In the wake of a thane’s betrayal, Macbeth is honored with a new title and a visit from the king to his own home. Emotionally, he is quite stable and in seemingly high spirits after a victorious battle, but the beginning of his journey is noted when he receives a visit from three witches predicting his new found status and even his becoming king someday. Macbeth’s once strong loyalty for his king quickly morphs into a desire for more power and acquisition. His own thoughts catch him off guard when he says “why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs…” (8). At this point, Macbeth’s growing lust for power is made known. His own emotional and moral deterioration is just beginning as he considers murdering King Duncan in order to fulfill the witches prophesy and usurp the

After learning of Macbeth’s hesitation to kill King Duncan in order to fulfill his desire to become king, Lady Macbeth chastises him for his weakness and his lack of desire to kill. She views him as faint of heart and says “Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valor As thou art in desire?” (15). She pushes and prods him to act on his whims and not to be afraid of killing those around him in order to achieve his goals. Thus, her ambition and determination overwhelms Macbeth until he makes up his reluctant mind to murder King Duncan in order to take the throne. However, despite his mind being made Macbeth is haunted by his conscience and is greeted by an apparition of a floating bloody knife, which he comments on saying “ ...Or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressèd brain?” (17). Even after the deed is done, all he sees is the blood on his hands and says “This is a sorry sight” (19). Macbeth still feels his conscience tugging at him despite his willingness to kill in order to take fate into his own