How Does Shakespeare Present Depression In Macbeth

In our world, more than 350 million people suffer from depression. Depression is much more than simple unhappiness. It is a serious mental disorder that causes severe symptoms that affect how one feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. People with this illness often feel sadness, guilt, or helplessness. Many will feel restless and have difficulty sleeping, and and possible thoughts of death or suicide. The impact of this illness can be seen in multiple Shakespeare plays. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the main protagonists, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, both suffer from depression as a result of guilt during the play. First of all, Macbeth states that he feels his life is worthless which shows that he experiences depression as a result

During the wait for the beginning of the war, Macbeth is informed of his wife’s death. He is saddened by this news, and speaks into the night. In a monologue, he says,

“Life’s but a walking shadow; a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more: It is a

The scottish doctor watches Lady Macbeth, after being shown her state by the gentlewoman who attends her. The doctor says to the gentlewoman, “Look after her; remove from her the means of all annoyance, and still keep eyes upon her.” (5.1.107) This quote shows the doctor is worried about Lady Macbeth’s mental state. It seems that she is becoming sad and may be suffering from the modern known illness of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both involve disturbance of sleep and possible vivid recalls of guild imposed experiences. The doctor wants Lady Macbeth to be kept alone, but still wants to look after her, as he feels she may be deteriorating herself and her mental condition. The scottish doctor speaks to Macbeth of his wife’s illness and suffering. Meanwhile, Macbeth is preparing himself for battle. The doctor tells Macbeth, “Therein the patient must minister to himself.” (5.3.113) He also says, “Not so sick, my Lord, as she is troubled with thick-coming fancies that keep her from rest.” (5.3.112) In these quotes, the doctor is merely stating that Lady Macbeth has a guilty conscience and has done bad things which is why she sleepwalks, as her soul will not let her feel free of guilt and there is nothing anyone else can do to help her. Lady Macbeth is suffering mentally and is not sick, as in the way that