The Loss Of Guilt In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

It is human nature for one to strive for more than what he has until that which he desires is unattainable. At that point, if he continues to be controlled by his ambition, his extremism will destroy himself. In modern society, people focus on advancing past others. The race for money, prestige, and merit often blind individuals from reality. This competitive mindset consumes a person. Thus, his obsession inclines him to make radical decisions that result in a complete alteration of one’s moral compass, the loss of one’s most cherished treasures, and constant fear and guilt. Authors and creative practitioners incorporate these principles frequently into literature and film. To note, William Shakespeare has written Macbeth, which denotes the

His greed for power eradicates his moral compass; only then is he able to kill someone who he has previously sworn loyalty to. Additionally, once Macbeth becomes king, he does not have qualms about murdering Banquo, his closest friend. During the conversation between Macbeth and two of the murderers, he mentions that “so is [Banquo my enemy]” (Shakespeare III.i.116). Macbeth’s ambition quickly and effectively eradicates his attachment to Banquo and his conscience as Macbeth is blinded by the desire to seize more power. His ambition alters his moral compass, which allows him to make radical decisions that are innately forbidden. As a result, Macbeth eventually loses his allies, success, and humanity. Similarly, Anakin succumbs to his ambition, which alters his moral compass. The characterization of Anakin throughout the film and the dishonourable crimes he commits indicate that his avarice controls him. During the beginning of the film, Lucas portrays Anakin as a magnanimous and noble character. Akin to Macbeth, Anakin suppresses his ambition. However, it is agitated by evil and consumes Anakin’s morality. This is especially clear when Anakin converts to the dark side as Palpatine’s apprentice, the

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, fear and ambition are inherently intertwined, culminating in the unravelling of Macbeth’s mind. Macbeth becomes mentally unhinged due to the fear of usurpers threatening his throne. During the night of Banquo’s death and the lords’ dinner party, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost sitting at his seat. The witches' prophecy that Macbeth's kin shall not be king, but rather Banquo's descendants through posterity, makes Banquo the most pertinent threat to Macbeth's power. Macbeth experiences profuse fear, and the lords notice his abnormal behaviour by commenting, “his highness is not well” (III.iv.52). Although Macbeth successfully kills Banquo, his son, Fleance, escapes. Thus, his fear intensifies as he realizes Fleance’s evasion of death must be fate. Banquo’s ghost is an illustration of his fear and the deterioration of his mental stability. This fear sprouts from ambition and avarice. Macbeth will take radical measures to ensure he maintains power. Nonetheless, the fear of losing it will always be present as long as he pursues his ambition. Hence, this chain of events demonstrates that with ambition comes the fear of losing control. As well as that, Macbeth is aware that he must take all measures to secure his power. In the meantime, he shall not be able to sleep from fear and guilt. Upon a reflection of his next