How Does Macbeth's Slow Deterioration Of His Mind

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Recommended: The development of Macbeth's character

One of Shakespeare's most memorable and dark theatrical plays is Macbeth. Macbeth was a story that was written for King James I of England. It featured a variety of individuals including King James I’s ancestor Banquo. The main plot of the story focused around the character arch of Macbeth, as he slowly deteriorated into the mindset of a madman. One of the most drastic and heartbreaking changes that occurs in the play Macbeth is Macbeth's slow deterioration of his mind; sound and strong at the beginning of the play, scared and seething during the middle, and crazed yet confident at the end. During the middle of the play, Macbeth is introduced as a warrior. He is confident and as described by the captain in the beginning of the play. “For brave …show more content…

The middle of the play showcases Macbeth with a mental state that experiences extremes. One moment he is terrified, such as with Act 2, Scene 2, lines 49-51. At this point in the story, Macbeth has just finished killing King Duncan, and is too scared to return to the kings chambers to return the daggers. However, later on in the story, Macbeth expresses his fear as seething anger. After Macbeth has become king and murdered Banquo, he is having a feast with all of the noblemen in Scotland when the ghost of Banquo appears. Macbeth, even though obviously disturbed, reacts in anger yelling at the ghost telling it to, “Hence, horrible shadow! Unreal mock’ry, hence!” (3.4.107-108). After Macbeth starts down the path of murder, his mind begins to fail him as he is enveloped by anger and …show more content…

The once honorable man that had a strong mind, is now controlled by the most primal mindset, performing erratically and crazed. This is prevalent throughout the final two acts of Macbeth, but the biggest example is when Macbeth orders the slaughtering of Macduff’s wife, children, and servants (4.1.150-154). He seemingly no longer has the ability to think through his actions before executing them. When he figures out he has lost all, he would rather die than live to see King Duncan on the throne. “I will not yield, To kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet,” (5.8.27-28). This tragic drama ends with our once hero, dying as a monster and a madman in the eyes of all of his

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