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Cause And Effect Macbeth

733 Words3 Pages

Luke Arms
Mrs.Meierhofer
English 10
May 15, 2023
Cause and Effect in Macbeth
In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the cause-and-effect relationship between two significant moments displays the pivotal shifts in Macbeth’s actions. The first moment takes place when the three witches prophesied that Macbeth will be king, and Banquo will father kings. This prophecy leads to Macbeth's cruel pursuit of power. It also causes conflict between Macbeth and Banquo for the reason that Banquo's bloodline may pose a threat to Macbeth's throne. The second moment comes about when Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to murder Duncan, who is the king of Scotland at the time of this point in the play. This moment inevitably starts Macbeth's rampage for security. …show more content…

This was seen at the beginning of Macbeth when the witches approach Banquou and Macbeth after defeating the Norwegian troops. The three witches appear in an ominous setting and the third witch says to Macbeth, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (1.3.54). This prophecy begins to poison Macbeth’s mind. This idea that he should kill Duncan is now in his mind and Macbeth is quickly obsessed with the thought of that power. Macbeth arrives at Duncan's castle and later on kills King Duncan and is crowned King of Scotland. As an effect of being given the throne, Macbeth goes to the extent of murder to defend his reign. His loss of sanity and gain madness is transparent after this event because Macbeth previously believed that fate would steer this prophecy, but his obsession for power counters this and he starts to use free will to control his fate as King of Scotland. In conclusion, The effect of the Three Witches' prophecies led Macbeth to show no remorse and do anything in his will to retain …show more content…

Though Macbeth had the idea to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth significantly urges Macbeth to commit the crime because she is ambitious and sees the opportunity to elevate their status. Lady Macbeth says this to Macbeth “When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more than the man” (1.7.49-51). In this quote, Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth by threatening his manhood. Macbeth is challenged by guilt and must prove his manhood and courage to Lady Macbeth by killing Duncan. Lady Macbeth's influence over Macbeth leads him to go against his own conscience and kill Duncan. The effect of this event leads to Macbeth’s descent into madness; He is filled with guilt and cannot be happy with himself. The guilt he endures is displayed right after the murder when Macbeth cannot finish the crime and hide the daggers. Macbeth is afraid of what he has done and he swears to not return to see Duncan’s deceased body. This moment relates to the theme because Lady Macbeth shows the evil in her conscience by guilt-tripping Macbeth into committing an evil deed, all in the pursuit of power. Overall, Macbeth’s paranoia and guilt lead him to his downfall, but Lady Macbeth is the one whose initial push sets it all in

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