Examples Of Ethical Dilemmas In Macbeth

Power can bring the worst out of people and make them do immoral things. Once we are at a certain level in the hierarchy we tend to yield for more. It can corrupt us and the way we act. Macbeth was given a prophecy by witches who told him he would become king and his partner, Banquo, would be the father of kings. Macbeth was unsure whether or not he should take the title of king by force which he eventually did by killing King Duncan. Macbeth’s new ethical dilemma is to defy and change his fate because he fears Banquo and his sons, he doesn’t want the murder of Duncan to be in vain and he wants to stay in control. Banquo is a brave and smart man. In the prophecy he was told his children would be king while Macbeth would just be a king

“For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered; put rancors in the vessel of my peace” (Act 3, Scene 1). Macbeth has risked his peace and sanity to the killing and he recognized that it will be helping Banqou’s son instead. His plan and efforts will be fruitless. Lady Macbeth “encouraged” him in a way with force. “Was the hope drunk… Art thou afeard, To be the same in thine own act and valor, As thou art in desire?... And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would” ( Act 1, Scene 7). When Macbeth was hesitant and wanted to back out on the murder attempt, Lady Macbeth called him a coward and insulted his manhood. She reminded him how he deserved it and it was the only way for him to become King. Macbeth’s soliloquy included him saying “Only for them; and mine eternal jewels” (Act 3, Scene 1). He comprehended that the prophecy doesn’t favor him. Macbeth has reached this far and at the end of the day, the reward might not be worth it and he won’t be in power for long. At first, the plan to carry out the witches prediction came with doubt but as time passed, Macbeth grew accustomed to the power and would do anything to keep

He notices that there are many factors and risks that might hinder him from being in power but he is ready to do whatever it takes to keep it. “Rather than so, come fate into the list, and champion me th’ utterance” (Scene 3, Act 1). Macbeth wants to fight and challenge fate as long as he keeps his crown. He is prepared to kill anyone who comes in his way. Macbeth is ready to kill or attack his great friend Banquo and his son in order to stay in power (Act 3, scene 1). Although it’s not morally right, Macbeth is murdering the people in his life so he can stay on top. His hunger for power is making him make rash decisions and he doesn’t think about the effect it has on others. He is turning on all his friends and the people he loves just for a crown. “To be thus is nothing, to be safely thus” (Act 3 scene 1). This quote shows him unsatisfied and yearning for more. Murdering Duncan is not enough for Macbeth and he feels that there is still something stopping him from reaching the top. He still feels unsettled which leads him to want to commit more violent acts to hold power. Macbeth goes through many dilemmas which require him to make a choice. The idea of being in charge and having control influences his behavior and causes him to make poor