Guilt in Macbeth A missed opportunity, failed attempt, or even the belief that more could have been done are examples of situations where guilt can arise. That guilt can invoke a multitude of feelings of anger, abandonment, and regret. Sadly, these feelings can influence one’s decision making, as seen in Macbeth. Throughout the play, there are numerous characters whose personalities are completely misshapen by this dreadful emotion. Likewise there are those whose guilt fuels their internal fires. In Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, guilt poisons and corrupts the minds of various characters, causing them to detour from their normal way of thinking. Tragically, guilt rots Macbeth’s mind past the border of humanity into the land of insanity. After deciding to follow through with a murderous plan to kill King Duncan, Macbeth is plagued by an infestation of guilt. Thus leading to Macbeth’s lost of hope, stating that, “Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more”(Ⅱ. ii. 10-41). Being tragically haunted by this murderous actions causes Macbeth to fully abandon his identity. Ironically, Macbeth realizes how far gone his mind is too …show more content…
Through being a major advocate for the murders, one can see the effect guilt has on Lady Macbeth’s mental state. In fact, one night Lady Macbeth is seen sleepwalking through the castle by a doctor who comments that, “a great perturbation in nature, to receive at once the benefit and do the effects of watching”(Ⅴ.i.7-8). Therefore showcasing how heavy the guilt of her actions weigh on her mind. Additionally the doctor states that, “four whisp’rings are abroad. Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets”(Ⅴ.i.58-59). Thus recognizing that guilt acts like a plague to the brain; guilt cuts the strands of sanity that hold the mind