The Theme Of Loss Of Innocence In Macbeth

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Throughout the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, there is a repetitive theme that innocent individuals must die in order for Macbeth to obtain and maintain tyrannical power over Scotland. Increasingly, the death count resulting from Macbeth’s corrupt actions rose higher and higher, as his victims become more innocent throughout the play. From King Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macduff, Lady Macduff’s children, and to Siward, many individuals were slain due to Macbeth’s unchecked ambition and murderous paranoia. However, why did so many people have to die in order for Macbeth to feel secure? One reason that so many individuals, many of whom are innocent, were killed is because power is a deadly and catastrophic force in the hands of a masculine and unchecked tyrant. …show more content…

For a character to be innocent, they actively must not cause their own consequences. Simply put, a character is innocent when the punishment or event that happens to them is not caused by their own doing. It seems self-evident that Macbeth’s victims all actively did not cause their own deaths. For example, the deaths of King Duncan and Banquo came from the initial prophecies of the three wishes. Macbeth only killed King Duncan because he was prophesized to be “Thane of Cawdor” and he “shalt be king hereafter” (Macbeth 1.3.51-52). Moreover, Banquo was killed due to Macbeth’s fear the prophecy that he “shalt get kings, though thou be none” will come true

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