Passion And Responsibility In Macbeth

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In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist chooses to forgo civic responsibility in order to act upon his true desire of having power. This conflict not only provides for the majority of the plot, it provides Macbeth with depth of character and makes him far more relatable for the audience, and ultimately gives the work greater credibility as a tragedy by allowing the audience to empathize with the protagonist. Macbeth, over the course of the play, fails to balance his loyalty to king and country with his desire for the crown. As a general in King Duncan’s army and the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, Macbeth is a servant to the Scottish King. However, temptation strikes, and the he soon finds himself stained with royal blood.
The Weird Sisters instigate Macbeth’s conflict by revealing the future of Macbeth and Banquo in regards to the crown. “All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter” (Mac. 1.3.54-55)! “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. / So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo” (Mac. 1.3.72-73)! This revelation forces Macbeth to make a choice between his passion and responsibility. After learning the news of his new title, Macbeth is dubious of whether the Weird Sisters’ prophecy is correct, but later decides to let things go …show more content…

The ceremony in which King Lear plans to divide his kingdom among his daughters reveals the conflict. The ceremony closely represents a trial; King Lear’s daughter must profession their love to receive a reward. Cordelia’s response, “Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave / My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty / According to my bond; no more nor less” (Lr. 1.1.95-97), to King Lear’s question, “Which of you shall we say doth love us most(Lr. 1.1.51),”detonates the conflict King Lear must face. King Lear’s lack of judgment and unmanly yielding to passion compose his tragic flaw and lead to his downfall. Kent even advises King Lear against his

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