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Macbeth's Mental State Of Mind Essay

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In Macbeth, William Shakespeare implements various strategies to convey Macbeth’s mental state. In scene 5, acts 3-5 of the play, Macbeth realizes his state of mind is not flourishing due to the consequences of his actions. Shakespeare conveys the state of mind through dramatic figurative language, descriptive dialogue, and emotional symbolism in order to disseminate the ties between greed and guilt. To begin, Shakespeare clearly conveys Macbeth’s mental state with dramatic figurative language. When wishing that his wife had died later, Macbeth states, "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day" (5.5.19-20). Macbeth would have wanted his wife to die later so he could have time to mourn her. Time slowly …show more content…

While trying to move on from the mental anguish that Lady Macbeth’s death had brought, Macbeth now has to plan his approach to dealing with Malcolm and the English soldiers. Macbeth, now compensating for multiple predicaments, states that his wife "should have died hereafter" (5.5.19), emphasizing the apathy Macbeth shows towards his wife’s death. This demonstrates the anxiety and guilt he is handling, which overwhelm him mentally to the point where he is emotionally detached. Furthermore, the messenger returns news to Macbeth that the forest of Birnam Wood has come to Dunsinane. A startled Macbeth states in fear, "I pull in resolution, and begin / To doubt the equivocation of the fiend / That lies like truth" (5.5.47-49). Macbeth has been crossed by the witches, who tricked him throughout the play. The prophecy they said was true was a lie. He now holds even more guilt, knowing that he was manipulated into committing the several crimes he did. Shakespeare emphasizes the declining mental state Macbeth is enduring through descriptive …show more content…

Macbeth reflects on his violence driven situation when he states, "I’gin to be aweary of the sun" (5.5.42). The sun represents life and how it has exhausted him. Even though he is restless, he will not back down from a fight. This demonstrates the confident and brave mentality that Macbeth used to live by. To add on, Macbeth realizes the battle before him will result in success and security for him or the dethroning of Thane of Cawdor. After noting this, Macbeth bitterly states, "I have lived long enough. My way of life / Is fallen into the sere, the yellow leaf" (5.3.26-27). Shakespeare symbolizes a withering leaf to exploit Macbeth’s mental lack of morality. After realizing the mistakes he has made, Macbeth knows his time has come to an

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