Wednesday, November 26, 2014

How does Macbeth reveal that he is struggling with conflicting ideas?

Macbeth is a complex character. He displays the tension between his "black and deep desires" and the moral principles which must be obeyed. He shows this tension in his soliloquies in which he lets us know about his fears and doubts. One of the soliloquies that allows us to examine his inner conflict more closely is in Act I, Scene 7. 


In this soliloquy, Macbeth reveals that he should not kill king Duncan for three major reasons. Firstly, Duncan is his king and Macbeth should be his loyal subject. Secondly, they are relatives, so it'd be abnormal and against nature to kill Duncan. Thirdly, Macbeth will be his host, so as a host, Macbeth should protect his guest, not murder him.


Nevertheless, Macbeth admits that his ambition is the one that still motivates him to follow through with his plan. And even when it seems he will stop with his plan, Lady Macbeth pushes him forward and manipulates him into going after his unchecked ambition. Once he kills Duncan, Macbeth slowly transforms himself into a cold-blooded tyrant. 

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