The Importance Of Fear In Shakespeare's Macbeth

Society sets a moral code to which its people gradually abide by and act upon, but in order for one to accomplish his or her unchecked ambitions; there is a need for a disapproval of ones’ integrity and societal responsibilities. Consequently, the fear existing within an individual can cause one to abandon his or her moral ethics during the stride to fulfill ones’ aspirations. Throughout the play, Macbeth, the Scottish Thane concedes his integrity towards the King in exchange of gaining his position as King. Macbeth’s journey from being loyal and collected to becoming arrogant and guilty exemplifies the impact of fear on an individual 's moral values and relationships. In the play, Macbeth, Shakespeare presents the argument that fear serves

Initially, when one is loyal towards his or her responsibilities and has no personal aspirations, one does not experience fear. In the play, Macbeth, Shakespeare depicts how Macbeth is initially loyal to Scotland, and his position as the Thane of Glamis, since he carries no personal desires. This portrays Macbeth as a fearless, yet ethical character. When Macbeth is in the battle between the Norwegians, the Scottish, and the rebels he fights with passion and a ruthless manner. This event in Act I of the play strongly suggests that since Macbeth was more concerned about his responsibilities as a Thane, he did not express any personal ambitions. Therefore, it can be implied that when one maintains integrity towards his or her relationships, one is less self-absorbed and more concerned about abiding by society’s moral code. Furthermore, when one aspires to fully carry out an obliged responsibility one does not experience fear since one is not encouraged to embrace his or her potential. However, when one is influenced to pursue an ambition that interferes with one’s

In the play, Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates the drawbacks that Macbeth experiences after killing Banquo. For example, Macbeth begins to see hallucinations of Banquo’s ghost at the dinner table when he invites the Thanes of Scotland for a feast. This exemplifies, that Macbeth’s ultimate fear in Banquo served as a source of guilt for all of Macbeth’s actions. Essentially, individuals who pursue unchecked ambitions will be constrained under the fear of having to face the reality of their actions, causing them to be delusional and convicted. Above all, the lack of fear, like in Macbeth’s case does not allow an individual to reintegrate moral values and principles, but rather reestablishes a set of new values. Lastly, the unethical journey an individual acquires to pursue an ambition can cause the individual to become hubristic, and eventually fearless, which ultimately leads to their own downfall. In the play, when Macbeth receives the witches the second prophecy he becomes more satisfied and arrogant as the king. The witches declare, “The power of man/ for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” (IV. i. 82-83) In this scene, Macbeth is portrayed as indestructible and impervious. This exemplifies, that when one is able to overcome barriers in the path of achieving ones’ ambition, one becomes arrogant and