Examples Of Humanism In Macbeth

Renaissance Literature’s Shift from Religion to Humanism Humanism is defined as a philosophical position that emphasizes human reason more than their religious beliefs (Collins English Dictionary). During the Renaissance, various works, unrestricted to literature, strayed from the Church and focused on “self”. Shakespeare is a famous play-writer during this time period, and many of his work incorporates Humanism. Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s famous pieces, demonstrates the shift of religious values to humanism by Lady Macbeth’s attitude towards King Duncan’s murder, Macbeth’s development throughout the play, and the distinction between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. From the very beginning, Shakespeare has implemented the idea of religion

Macbeth is hesitant to do it, but eventually commits the act and becomes King. Lady Macbeth was the master planner of the murder, but she eventually becomes very guilty: “Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One: two: why,/ then ‘tis time to do’t. Hell is murky. Fie, my lord, fie!” (5.1.31-32). Lady Macbeth washes her hands as a symbol of washing her attempt to wash her sins away. But she knows she is determined to go to hell for contributing to the murder of King Duncan and Macduff’s family. Her guilt consumed her, therefore, she commits suicide: “It is the cry of women, my good lord” (5.5.8). Lady Macbeth went against her religious morals and followed her desire for power, and she could not handle the guilt therefore she committed

In the beginning, Macbeth was rational and did not desire to kill King Duncan but Lady Macbeth provoked him of his manhood and the prophecy influenced him: “We will proceed no further in this business:/ He hath honored me of late, and I have bought/ Golden opinions from all sorts of people,...” (1.7.31-32). After Macbeth’s succession as King, his power increased along with his humanity and sanity diminishing, thus he carried out malicious deeds. He became obsessed with his power that he couldn’t trust anyone and believed everyone to be after his power, “Fleance his son, that keeps him company,/ Whose absence is no less material to me/ Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate/ Of that dark hour. Resolves yourselves apart:…” (3.1.135-138). Macbeth followed the prophecy and was willing to murder Banquo, his blood brother, with his son. Unlike the beginning of the play, Macbeth was hesitant to commit malevolent acts, but now he is prepared to kill anyone that is a threat to his power. Macbeth can be a symbol of “purity” at the beginning of the play because he didn’t want to hurt anyone, but as the story progressed, Macbeth’s purity diminished along with his humanity because of his