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Insanity In Macbeth Research Paper

625 Words3 Pages

Bridge to Insanity

While many blame others as the cause of their downfall, it is their own terror of destruction that leads them to such a tragic state. This theme is highlighted throughout William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, demonstrating to the audience that one’s actions can have a lasting effect. The fear of Macbeth and his wife served as a catalyst for their insanity in this somber play. Though this couple had not yet accomplished Duncan’s murder, their descent to madness began with a seed of fear. “...Yet do I fear thy nature;/It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness/To catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great;” (I:v:1-28) Because Lady Macbeth is afraid Macbeth is too gentle to achieve the crown, she “unsexes” herself. Her resulting …show more content…

While killing, Macbeth hears men praying but could not say “Amen” himself when he felt he needed God’s blessing most. This hints God’s favour would not be upon Macbeth’s rule. To Macbeth’s worries, Lady Macbeth suggests that he doesn’t dwell on such things, as it would induce insanity. Such a statement contains a great deal of irony; as it is exactly what occurs. “Glamis hath murder’d sleep, and therefore Cawdor/Shall sleep no more.” (II:ii:52-53) Macbeth’s fall is accentuated by this quote, spoken by a voice only he heard. The title “Glamis” is used to symbolize the man Macbeth once was; likewise “Cawdor” a symbol to the man he is becoming. It is also a further foreshadow, attesting to the fact that Macbeth would not have a peaceful …show more content…

Soon after Duncan’s murder, Lady Macbeth states “A little water clears us of this deed;” (II:ii:80) which is in great contrast to the place where lunacy has led her to; she tries but fails to wash the imaginary, yet, permanent stain of blood on her hands. Also, Lady Macbeth constantly relives the night of Duncan’s murder and laments of the deaths of Banquo and Macduff’s family. Ironically, had she not convinced Macbeth to kill Duncan, their descent to this state would not have begun. Due to her derangement and Macbeth’s neglect, she takes her own life. To this news, Macbeth simply says “She should have died hereafter./There would have been a time for such a word.” (V:v:19-20) This shows how far Macbeth has gone due to his

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