In Macbeth, William Shakespeare shows that killing is a result of insecurities/fears through the characterization of Macbeth. Because of the witches prophecy about Banquo’s sons, Macbeth is insecure as king because he has no son to carry on his family line. Macbeth, in fear of Banquo’s sons being crowned king, states, “Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown / And put a barren scepter n my grip, / Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, / No son of mine succeeding. If’t be so, / For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; / For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered,” (3.1, 65-71). Shakespeare shows the fear of Macbeth’s character. Macbeth goes on to try and kill Banquo’s son because his fears led him to. As a result, Macbeth kills his best friend and tried to kill his sons because of his insecurities. …show more content…
Another example is when Macbeth is talking to Lady Macbeth about his fears, and sends murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance. Macbeth states, “Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep / In rge afflication of these terrible dreams / That shake us nightly.” (Shakespeare 3.3 20-24). Here Shakespeare shows that Macbeth can’t sleep at night or eat because of his fears of Banquo and his son Fleance. Macbeth goes on to send murders out to kill his best friend because of his fears. Finally, by the end of the play Macbeth is getting sceptical about Macduff. Since the apparitions told him to beware macduff, he had to show off his power and not his