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Humanism In Macbeth

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The Tragedy of Macbeth demonstrates the change of heart most people had during the time period of the English Renaissance; likewise, this time period also is known as the time of expansion. Specific values and beliefs shifted from just strictly religious to humanistic values. The time of expansion created new curriculum and a broader array of topics that people could study through universities while gaining an education. Humanism is “a system of thought that focuses on humans and their values, capacities, and worth” (American Heritage Dictionary of English Language). It can also be known as “(Philosophy) a philosophical position that stresses the autonomy of human reason in contradiction to the authority of the Church” (Collins English Dictionary). …show more content…

This is an example of how people are no longer worried about a higher presence,but instead worried about themselves. In this case the two were worried about achieving a higher power in the society they were living in. Lady Macbeth presents the idea that King Duncan must be slaughtered in order for Macbeth to become king. Macbeth does not at first go along with her idea. He did not want to kill his loyal companion, “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, which would be worn now in their newest gloss, not cast aside so soon” (Shakespeare 1.7.31-35). Lady Macbeth does not seem to care about Macbeth’s heartly desires. Lady Macbeth insisted on making Macbeth king and herself queen. She convinces Macbeth to kill King Duncan. She does this by questioning Macbeth’s manhood, “It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way” (Shakespeare 1.5.15-16). She pushes him into killing King Duncan, “But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we’ll not fail” (Shakespeare 1.7.60-61). This is a prime example of how humanism replaces religious values during the time of expansion in the Kingdom of England. Shakespeare wrote this play to demonstrate the shift in values and beliefs during this time period of which he was alive in

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Readers of Macbeth can look at him from different perspectives; a troubled man who fell to the dark side, or an arrogant, power hungry man who got what he deserved at the end. Macbeth by William Shakespeare tells the story about a man who was so desperate for power that he was willing to do anything to keep it. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is considered a war hero and along with his then friend, Banquo, is called upon by three witches who tell him he will be the next king. His wife, Lady Macbeth, is a power hungry figure who convinces him to kill King Duncan, to fulfill his prophecies.

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Of all the things people possess, their personality traits are among the most significant because their qualities are what define who they are. Each person is unique and distinct in their character, but there are some personal attributes that many humans have in common. In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, the tragic hero, Macbeth, embodies several of such universal human traits. One important character trait that Macbeth holds is selfishness, and this facet of his is universal because it is reflected in great leaders like Steve Jobs and also in normal individuals such as the Rod Dreher.

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Macbeth is originally hesitant to follow through with his wife's plan to murder, however, Lady Macbeth disapproves of his fears and argues that, "Which fate and metaphysical aid don't seem /To have thee crown'd withal. " In Lady Macbeth's eyes, the witches imply that Macbeth should act upon the prophecy and become king as quickly as possible because it is his fate, and she is afraid her husband will not take advantage of the opportunity to take the crown. Lady Macbeth is one of many external factors that Shakespeare incorporated to demonstrate how an individual's decision-making process can be heavily influenced by others. Likewise, people will try to do many things to get what they want, even if they are

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Initially, Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth by planning Duncan's murder and also telling him to stronger then who is. Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth into killing Duncan. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that he is not a men, “And live a coward in thine own esteem / letting I dare, not wait upon I would / like the poor cat i’ th’ adage” (1.7.46-49). Lady Macbeth calls him a coward and a pussy cat. Afterwards, she is mocking him by saying, he is afraid to do what it takes.

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Macbeth shows that he is willing to kill King Duncan because he is interested in the witches prophecy, after they tell him that he will become ‘Thane of Cawdor’ and then the King.

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Macbeth is also a power hungry man who would do just about anything to achieve his goal of becoming King. When Macbeth first hears the prophecies from the three witches he instantly became invested with the journey to become king. Similar to Lady Macbeth, nothing was going to come between him and his potential power, “My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man. That function is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is but what is not” (1.3.52-55). This quote exemplifies how Macbeth’s initial solution to becoming king was murder.

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The thought of being a queen pushes her and make her act despicably. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth both agreed to kill King Duncan, however Macbeth was slightly hesitant about the plan of committing a regicide as he kept thinking of the consequence of this sin. Lady Macbeth is trying to encourage him to overcome his nerves in order for her plan to be accomplished. By doing that, she used a metaphor to belittle his confidence and insult his abilities, as she says: "But screw your courage to the sticking place and we'll not fail". She's comparing Macbeth's courage to a music instrument in which the peg should be tightened up until it sticks in its place.

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Lady Macbeth persuades and manipulates Macbeth by pointing out his insecurities successfully and pressuring him into murdering the king. Along with this, Lady Macbeth also questions Macbeth’s manhood and masculinity when he does not want to carry out the plan when she says “When you durst do it, then you were a man;//And to be more than what you were, you would//Be so much more the man” (Shakespeare 1.7.49-51). By saying these things, Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to believe that murdering the king will be his redemption from being a

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Throughout literature, we see human characteristics in our characters. Characteristics such as punishment, downfall, middling character, free choice, and nobility. In this play called Macbeth we see all these characteristics fall into place throughout the good and bad choices acted on by our main character Macbeth. The play demonstrates how power will make or break character and lead to his/her own destruction by possessing a few of these characteristics. Macbeth demonstrates both literal and figurative nobility as the plot beings to grow throughout the play.

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Lady Macbeth uses the tactic of belittling him about his manhood. Implying that he is not a man unless he does what she asks. She offers him to ease the burden of this crime. Not only does Lady Macbeth and the witches have an impact on Macbeth, he also is the last one to accept his poor choices he will make to lead him to the failure he

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Human nature refers to specific characteristics which are ways of emotions, thoughts, and actions. Culture is big influence for human nature. In Act five of the play “Macbeth” his human nature is influenced from Lady Macbeth, and his desperation of becoming king. His human nature is shown when he finally faces his consequences. For example, when Macduff was looking for Macbeth, Macbeth could not face him because he would have to accept the consequences for murdering his whole castle.

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She is malicious not only in words but also in her intent. Her sole object is to obtain power and wealth, with its attendant treasures. Lady Macbeth lacks humanity and regrets that she was not born as a man. She understands that power and violence are synonymous with manhood and bravery. Additionally, Lady Macbeth interests’ and ambition, override her love for even her husband, Macbeth.

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Humans are known for being insightful and looking into their soul, asking questions and exploring philosophy. One of the greater philosophical questions is how to be a moral person. These questions prompt many stories. One such story is Macbeth, a Shakespearean play about a corrupt Scottish king who becomes a murderer to achieve power. Macbeth teaches us that to be a moral person, one must not let their desires control them.

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Lady Macbeth is power hungry for the throne and she will do anything to achieve her goal. Her pleasure of having the thought of killing Duncan is revealed. These murderous thoughts that run through her mind shows how desperate she is to acquire power. Although it is the beginning of the play, her dark ambitions sets a dark tone for her character in the play. This coincidentally adds to the assurance of Macbeth’s prophecy which is that Macbeth will become king, but King Duncan is still alive.

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He hath honored me of late, and I have bought/ Gold opinions from all sorts of people” (1.7.31-33). After he said this, Lady Macbeth questioned his manhood. With his manliness being questioned, he pushed himself to kill the king. The greed of Lady Macbeth and her scheming led to Macbeth’s untimely

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