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How Is Guilt Presented In Macbeth

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THEMES OF GUILT – MACBETH
In the story of Macbeth, guilt is an important theme due to the fact that it unstiffens Macbeth’s ambition and coldness. His brutality is balanced by his guilt, a trait that enables the audience to identify with Macbeth throughout the play despite his oppressiveness.
MACBETH AND LADY MACBETH:
The two main characters who experience extreme feelings of guilt throughout the play are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth’s guilt is caused by the ghosts of those who he murdered and of the consequences that follow their murders. For example, Macbeth is visited by the ghost of Banquo, who he murdered to protect his secret. The apparition embodies Macbeth’s guilt and therefore causes Macbeth to nearly reveal the truth about King Duncan’s murder. Macbeth’s guilt prevents him from enjoying his gain of royalty but it does not stop him from committing more than 1 murders. This perhaps indicates a lack of morality, which is Macbeth’s key character flaw. Lady Macbeth on the overhand is driven crazy from the adrenaline of watching her husband commit such murders and is the force behind his actions. Unlike Macbeth’s …show more content…
- Macbeth, Act III, scene IV.
This quote is said after Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo who dishonours Macbeth for bringing crime to Macbeth, making him feel even guiltier. Macbeth realizes that he had changed so much due to the influence of Lady Macbeth. He had turned himself into a murderer from a brave and courageous man. He cannot believe that he had actually committed such a crime just to become a king. Seemingly, he regrets what he had done and wants to go back in time, but he is already stuck in abashment and guilt and contrition. This quote clearly shows Macbeth's hope to go back in time when he had committed nothing that would go against his conscience, but he already "stepped in so far" that he cannot get away

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