Comparing Guilt And Jealousy In Macbeth And The Aeneid

Guilt, shame, and jealousy are all three powerful and oftentimes controlling emotions. Over time, we find healthy outlets to learn how to cope with these emotions. However, when these emotions are not properly processed, it can result in them consuming one's life. Throughout The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, The Aeneid by Vergil, and the movie Kung Fu Panda, the authors illustrate how strong emotions such as guilt, shame, and jealousy can influence a character’s fate. Throughout the story of Macbeth written by William Shakespeare, emotions ultimately end up overwhelming individuals, leading to their final destiny. By planning and executing murders to eliminate any threat to the throne, Lady Macbeth ends up sacrificing her sanity.

You mar all with this starting” (5.1.45-48). While consciously suppressing her guilt, her subconscious allows her inner thoughts to slip through. The act of physically trying to wash the blood off of her hands suggests her guilt for the murders she has committed. Shakespeare suggests that through the murders she had orchestrated and executed, she is incapable of simply washing away her crimes. The acts of murder quite literally stain her thoughts, carrying them with her forever. Ultimately, Lady Macbeth’s actions catch up to her emotions, unable to shake the feeling of regret, realizing that she cannot undo the atrocities that have transpired, resulting in her suicide. In The Aeneid, written by Vergil, the audience notes how emotions are the continuance of an individual's fate throughout the poem. In book 4, titled Dido’s Suicide, Dido, queen of Carthage, allowed her humiliation and rage to consume her, ultimately leading to her death. Before her passing, Jupiter, the King of Gods, learns of Aeneas and Dido’s love and sends Mercury down to Carthage. Mercury reminds Aeneas that he must leave for Italy, as his destiny lies elsewhere. Aeneas attempts to flee Carthage without informing Dido, but is caught by