Macbeth Deception Essay

Liar, liar, pants on fire! As children, this phrase innocently skims the surface of deceiving others for personal benefit; however, this nursery rhyme uncovers the discomfort and pain that is felt as a result of deception. Lying not only destroys trust in relationships involving other people, but the repercussions on the liar are a psychological wonder that involves shame, guilt, and delusion. In society, deception is prevalent and inevitable, yet the harsh consequences begin to surface once a person is deep in their deception. Demonstrated in literature, William Shakespeare’s Macbeth follows a noble man and his journey to becoming king of Scotland. In order to accomplish his goals, he knowingly deceives those close to him and commits harmful

Shakespeare cautions readers of the destructive consequences of deception, especially from a person with an admirable reputation. As Macbeth tries to cover up his crimes, he behaves more deceptively as he continues to dig a deeper hole for himself. Duncan is not the only victim of Macbeth’s deception as he grows more desensitized towards committing heinous actions. With Duncan’s death, his feelings of guilt and remorse begin to shift toward relief and security. Macbeth puts the job of murdering Banquo and his son Fleance up to a group of men so that his guilt does not come from holding the knife himself. He is deceptive towards the murderers in order to facilitate the murder by telling them about the political and civil unrest that will occur if Banquo or Fleance is allowed the throne. After ordering the murderers to go through with the act, he tells Lady Macbeth that “Tis better thee without he within/ Is he dispatch’d” (Shakespeare 3.2.17-18). Macbeth feels a sense of relief after ordering the murder of Banquo, which contrasts with his feelings toward the murder of Duncan. He tells Lady Macbeth that Banquo is

After becoming king and queen, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth struggle to keep up with the false image of nobility. Macbeth begins to hallucinate and Lady Macbeth realizes the extent of her actions and talks in her sleep about the crimes she commits. Eventually, the guilt of deception consumes Lady Macbeth and she dies, most likely taking her own life. Now on his own, Macbeth reflects upon his life and the fulfillment of his actions. He describes the grueling nature of life as a flame and cries out “out, out brief candle!/ Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player/ That struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more” (Shakespeare 5.5.26-28). Macbeth recognizes the rapid and drastic downfall of his life and by making the comparison to a poor player that is no longer heard from, he thinks that life is meaningless and lacks purpose. Understanding how his deception leads to destruction, his perspective on life shifts to a cynical view. His existence is merely a performance and his inability to continue the honorable act illustrates Macbeth’s undoing of his former nobility. As his destructive nature changes his attitude, his carelessness will continue to spike as he reaches the end of his life. Shakespeare uses Macbeth to give attention to the reckless attitude that results from allowing deception to