Forgiveness In Macbeth

Even though humans are prone to making mistakes, if an individual continuously acts on their immoral impulses, in spite of their guilty conscience, they can no longer be considered a good person.

When an individual has continuously achieved their goals through unjust acts, they can no longer be viewed as kind. In the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is shown to commit crimes against humanity in order to acquire and maintain his dream of being the King of Scotland. Macbeth is shown to kill the guards, who were framed for Duncan's murder because he could not be “wise, amazed, temp’rate, and furious,/ Loyal, and neutral, in a moment ... Th’ expedition of [his] violent love [for Duncan]/ Out run the pauser, reason” (Shakespeare

In Act 4 Scene 1 of Macbeth, Macbeth is showcased as a vicious individual, who protects himself and his position as King at all costs. This idea is demonstrated clearly when Macbeth meets the apparitions and concludes that there is no reason to fear Macduff “But yet [he will] make assurance double sure/ And take a bond of fate:/ [Macduff] shalt not live” (Shakespeare 4.1.93). By highlighting Macbeth’s willingness to kill Macduff, who may not even be a threat to Macbeth, Shakespeare reveals how murder is a deed Macbeth is extremely comfortable with. The fact that Macbeth spends no time contemplating the decision to kill Macduff shows his character arc, as previously he spent a whole scene debating if he should kill Duncan. Shakespeare highlights Macbeth's ease to kill to make readers realize how ruthless Macbeth has become throughout the course of the novel, as well as how he is starting to kill when there is no logical reason to. This idea overall disputes Lady Macbeth’s belief of Macbeth being innocent and filled with goodwill. Another example of Macbeth being a vicious individual is when Macbeth learns that Macduff has fled to England. This causes him to command the “Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword,/ [Macduff’s] wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls/ That trace him in his line” (4.1.172). Shakespeare depicts Macbeth’s remorseless qualities when he orders the death of Macduff’s defenseless family. Although Macduff’s family has done nothing wrong against Macbeth, they will have to suffer his wrath. Macbeth's acts of hurting the innocent, weak, and young, for no valid reason, indicates Macbeth’s impulsive nature. These actions prove Lady Macbeth’s judgment of Macbeth wrong. On the other hand, one may argue that Macbeth still has a kind heart,