How Does Shakespeare Present Macbeth's Mental Deterioration

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Mohammed Kirmani ENG3U1-04 Mrs. Azzopardi November 11th, 2014 Symbolism Present to Demonstrate Macbeth’s Mental Deterioration In a world filled with judgement and dreadful looks, it is undeniable that there is no surprise that one can experience apprehension and depression known as mental deterioration. It is as one has devoted a violation that has corrupted their mind to lead to their mental breakdown. In the tragedy ‘Macbeth’, written by William Shakespeare, symbolism is utilized to demonstrate the tragic hero, otherwise known as Macbeth develops further into insanity. Through the utilization of blood and daggers, Shakespeare demonstrates Macbeth’s mental illness as his downfall is demonstrated to the audience. Symbolism is illustrated …show more content…

Come, let me clutch thee/ I have not thee/ I have thee not, and yet I see thee still/ Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible/ To feeling as to sight? or art thou but/ A dagger of the mind, a false creation/ Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? ”(2.1.33-39) Shakespeare presents imagery to emphasize Macbeth’s subconsciousness and represents his little amount of conscious about the dagger hovering is a fatal vision he is visioning. The dagger hovering in the air functions to signify future events, specifically the murder of King Duncan, that will take place. Shakespeare also uses symbolism of a dagger covered in blood pointing towards King’s room to emphasize the bloody path Macbeth is about to encounter. Besides the fact Macbeth pursuits to clear his guilt , he blames Duncan’s personal guards responsible for his death. As proof, the moment Lady Macbeth and Macbeth discuss the plan for King Duncan’s murder, he replies: “When we have marked with blood those sleep two/ Of his own chamber and used their very daggers/ That they have done’t “ (1.7.75-77). Shakespeare uses symbolism to represent the ruthless crime on Macbeth’s shoulders to rather fall upon the guard’s shoulders. Diction is also used to emphasize his apprehension within his thoughts. Macbeth’s character states: “heat-oppressed brain”(1.2.77) after he is gains little conscious about the fatal vision. The word choice reveals his eager ambition to gain power and is evidently a significant cause of Macbeth’s tragic downfall. Therefore, it is evident that Macbeth’s paranoia is reinforced through the use of hallucinations of daggers that cause him to fall deeper into

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