Macbeth Unchecked Quotes

Shakespear cautions readers against the dangers of an unchecked id in his play Macbeth through the character Macbeth's actions, thus suggesting the corruptibility of human nature.

Over the course of the play, Macbeth, the viewers can see Macbeth become more and more corrupted and controlled by his id. In the start of the play he is a decorated hero rewarded with a high title for protecting his king and country. By the end he is a vicious tyrant who is controlled by his hunger for power.

It is apparent that once the id is given what it wants once it will want it again. In Macbeth's case his id has an insatiable hunger for power, enough is never enough for him. Macbeth is first introduced to his potential power in act 1 scene 3 where the

After their meeting the idea has taken root in his mind and he starts to realise what he must do to gain power. At first he is, ostensibly, reticent to do what he must do to become king, but bit by bit his id wears him down and he gives in to the idea of killing the king to meet his own gains. That is when his id truly takes control. Additionally, because he is the ‘all powerful ruler’ there is no one to reign him in, thus leaving his id unchecked. The only time that the reader can truly see that Macbeth feels guilty for killing Duncan is before it actually happens. In act 1 scene 7 Macbeth has a long monologue seemingly battling his conscience as to whether he should really go through with his plan. He mentions how Duncan has never done wrong by him and that he is a good leader. Lady Macbeth enters the scene and then he appears to allow himself to be convinced by her that it is a good plan to kill Duncan. Once he commits Duncan's murder something breaks within his mind and the rest of the murders come easily to him. In this scene the id takes root and takes control and no one has the authority to keep him in

In act 4 scene 1 Macbeth orders for the murder of macduff's entire family. In act 4 scene 2 the murders take place, and in act 4 scene 3 macduff hears of his family's slaughter. It is then, when it dawns on the reader the true extent of Macbeth's cruelty. He thinks it fit to murder people who play no part in his war for power, simply because it will send a message to those who oppose him. His id allows him to commit such atrocities remorselessly because it has overpowered his ego and superego. Everyone tiptoes around him because they are afraid they will be the ones to fall victim to his wrath next. Macbeth is seemingly so far gone and overpowered by his id that he does not show any pain or sadness for the suicide of his wife. Lady Macbeth helped formulate the plans to kill both Duncan and Banquo. She stays emotionless throughout until she is asleep and guilt creeps through her subconscious state. When macbeth's reaction upon hearing of his wife's suicide is compared to Macduffs reaction to his families murder one can see how an unchecked id has the ability to completely corrupt. Where Macduff's reaction is that of utter devastation Macbeths is comparatively indifferent. Macbeth's cruel actions end up having an effect on his conscience because of the fact that he has been consumed by this all encompassing