Guilt In Macbeth

The play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare has relevant ideas and themes that can be taken into consideration in today's life. Shakespeare managed to accurately depict many truths about the human race; many in modern society fit the profile of Macbeth in one sense or another, partly because human nature hasn’t changed a great deal since the Elizabethan era. The play’s themes still concern us, ambition and psychological vulnerability all are evidently presented in the societies today. The devastating effects of guilt are still relevant today, portrayed in Macbeth. Also the temptation that we all have to better ourselves in our career at the expense of others. Therefore, The play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare has relevant ideas

Committing a crime has deep consequences on one's psyche and one's relationships with others, this is clearly portrayed throughout the text. Guilt overcoming Macbeth is seen when he says, “I am in blood, Stepp'd in so far, that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er.” This is stated immediately after Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo who shames Macbeth bringing criminality to Macbeth, pushing him deeper into guilt. His uncertain tone suggests that he is stuck, and can neither go back nor forward. He is forced to stand his ground, since he has made his decision to kill Duncan. This proves that guilt can affect us dramatically, to extents of seeing hallucinations and causing anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the devastating effects of guilt are also shown in the play as Lady Macbeth says, “Out, damned spot! out, I say”. She states this as she is suffering with extreme confusion and depression. This is a pivot and well known climactic moment of the play that clearly demonstrates Lady Macbeth’s delusion which the audience perceives as guilt. This remains timeless as it is proven that a cause of depression is guilt. Moreover, Macbeth also conveys guilt as he says, “Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood, Clean from my hand? Duncan's blood is symbolic of Macbeth's guilt; Macbeth uses a metaphor, or indirect comparison, to compare his guilt for killing Duncan

This is just as Macbeth it tempted to kill Duncan to advance his position, the temptation of "vaulting ambition" is prevalent in our cut-throat business practices. Temptation is shown to effect Macbeth's state of being as he says, “Stars, Hide your fires! Let not see my black and deep desires; the eye wink at the hand; yet let that be which the eye fears. When it is done, to see. With Malcolm being appointed to Prince of Cumberland, Macbeth either needs to accept defeat or keep on pursuing his goal of becoming king. He starts thinking of the plan to kill the king in order to become king. This illustrates how temptation can change the personality of an individual, ultimately getting the better of them, portraying the text as timeless. Furthermore, temptation is also shown in the text as Macbeth says, “Stay you imperfect speakers tell me more.” Macbeth shows interest in what the witches are saying and orders them to speak more. He shows that he is ambitious because he likes what he is hearing and how it is saying he will become king. This shows his temptation and the start of his plan to kill king Duncan. Moreover, Macbeth portrays temptation as he states, "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent by only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other.” Macbeth concludes that it is only his ambition that would be a reason for his murdering of Duncan. Without