Macbeths Tragedy :: essays research papers

Shakespeare is perhaps most noted for his many tragic plays. One of his most acclaimed works Macbeth, is a great example of this. In Macbeth by William Shakespeare there are many incidents within the play that agree with the fact that Macbeth’s greatest tragedy is the deterioration of its main characters Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The most prominent reason for the fact that Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s character is decaying is noticed with the hallucinations that both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience as a result of guilt. The decline of their character is manifested into the inability to remain true to ones character, delusional behavior, and a conscience that only works once the harm is committed. Guilt should be held accountable for the degradation of what would have been one of the most courageous and honorable characters in all of Shakespeare’s plays. The guilt that causes the delusional state in both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begins with the questioning of Macbeth’s ambition and capacity to obtain what he wants. Lady Macbeth first sells out her position by following the words of the weird sisters that predict that Macbeth will become king. After allowing the prophecy overcome her, Lady Macbeth convinces herself that she will do anything to make sure that the prediction is followed out. She states, " Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear, and chastise with the valor of my tongue which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crowned withal." Macbeth’s ineptness in remaining loyal to his self is evident when Lady Macbeth attacks his ego by negotiating with him that the murder will make him a better man, â€Å"When you durst do it, ten you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man.† Thus, Lady Macbeth is as responsible for the death becau se she was the one that convinced Macbeth to continue the plan to execute King Duncan. Also passion and greed govern their souls and their common sense, they forget that the world does not revolve around them and what they wish to accomplish. The murders, which would to any sane person seem grotesque becomes a normal thing to them as if nothing more than washing ones hands. Macbeth is originally courageous and a godlike figure with great success in the battlefield who descends to scum by the end of the play.