Desire Can Lead To Destruction In Macbeth

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Throughout William Shakespeare’s play, “Macbeth”, there are many different themes expressed. Despite these numerous themes represented by Shakespeare, the main one that stands out the most is, “Desire can lead to destruction when left unchecked”. This is basically saying that if one has too much desire or passion for something, and another individual doesn’t supervise them while perusing that passion, they may destroy their own life in result of being overwhelmed by it. Three prime examples of this theme take place in Act II (Scene III), Act IV (Scene III), and Act V (Scene VIII).

First off, the theme of “Desire can lead to destruction when left unchecked” is demonstrated by William Shakespeare in Act II (Scene III). At this point, Duncan has already been killed. When Macbeth sees him, she says, “Who can be wise, amazed, temperate and furious, …show more content…

No man:
The expedition my violent love
Outrun the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan,
His silver skin laced with his golden blood;
And his gash'd stabs look'd like a breach in nature”. This quote shows how insane Macbeth is with the murder of Duncan, just so he can take over the throne. Shakespeare goes into detail with him describing the wounds with golden blood splattered. This fits the theme because it expresses how desperate and crazy Macbeth is to take over the throne from Duncan, as he deliberately murders him for that sake.

Next, another part of the play that fits the theme occurs in Act IV (Scene III). In this instance, Malcom is praising MacDuff for his plan to sacrifice himself against Macbeth. Malcom says, “What I believe I'll wail,
What know believe, and what I can redress,
As I shall find the time to friend, I will.
What you have spoke, it may be so perchance.
This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues,
Was once thought honest: you have loved him

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