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Macbeth Guilt Essay

1059 Words5 Pages

In the gripping drama of Macbeth, Shakespeare explores how individuals grapple with guilt. He also offers insights as to why people resort to particular coping strategies. Three important characters in the play, Lady Macbeth, Macduff, and Macbeth, all deal with guilt differently throughout the story. We witness the internal struggles of each character, leading them to face the consequences of their actions. The play conveys the clear message that people deal with guilt differently, based on their individual mindsets and personal motives. Those who believe they are powerless to correct their mistakes struggle to overcome feelings of guilt. In the play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth deals with her guilt by ultimately taking her own life in order to escape …show more content…

Despite her efforts to cleanse herself, she cannot escape the reminder of the blood on her hands. The mention of Arabia, known for its strong scents, emphasizes the overwhelming sorrow she feels. This quote highlights the intense guilt she battles against. In the end, she is unable to bear the weight of her guilt and it consumes her. Lady Macbeth struggles to get over the fact that knowing what she has done can't be reversed. In her sleep, she also utters the phrase, “What's done cannot be undone” (5.2.71). This demonstrates her understanding that what she did has scarred her and that she must face the consequences. This connects to the quote because she finally accepts that she will not be seen the same and later takes the easy way out. Lady Macbeth's descent into guilt results from her inability to cope with her actions positively. People with weak minds are helpless to solve their problems of guilt. In contrast, others who are confident in their ability to get revenge will overcome feelings of guilt. Macduff uses his guilt as fuel to get back at Macbeth and kill him. Macduff’s wife and son are both very important to him; he takes on all the blame for leaving

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