In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, certain characters reference nature in different ways which gives light to their individual moral fabrics.
Lady Macbeth and Macbeth throughout the play talk about nature when trying to go against the natural. Lady Macbeth asks for nature to be absent in her in the beginning of the play, when preparing for Duncan’s murder that she and Macbeth will commit. Calling upon spirits to do this, she says that she wants to make sure “no compunctious visitings of nature / Shake fell my purpose” (1.5.52-53). In her efforts to become a cold-blooded murderer and kill the king she should be devoted to, Lady Macbeth shows her characteristics and morals. Not only is she willing to kill, but she is willing to kill her king, all for
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The morning after Duncan’s murder, Ross and Macduff discuss the previous night’s events. Ross asks who committed the horrible act, and Macduff tells him that it was supposedly Duncan’s two servants. He says it is believed the servants were told to commit the murder by Duncan’s two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, who have fled the country. Upon hearing the suspects, Ross remarks “Gainst nature still!” (2.4.39). Ross’s shock at this information shows his personal values. He cannot believe that Duncan’s servants and own sons would murder him because it goes against the natural order. His disgust at this reveals that he believes strongly in the social hierarchy where everyone should be righteous, honorable, and devoted to their king. Malcolm and Donalbain’s supposed parricide does not coincide with the idea of “nature.” Ross’s thoughts on Duncan’s death is shown through his mentioning of nature. Ross’s use and opinion of nature differs greatly than that of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. While Ross emphasises that the natural order should be followed and not broken, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth attempt to breach nature for their own