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Macbeth - importance of guilt essay
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Macbeth - importance of guilt essay Achieved level 9 English
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Importance of guilt in MacbethIn Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the theme of guilt constantly to illustrate the terrible
consequences of regicide to his audience. In 1604 James I survived an assassina-
tion attempt in Parliament, Shakespeare uses Macbeth to acquire favour in the
court of James who had recently succeeded Elizabeth in 1603. Shakespeare
echoes the same language used by the perpetrators of the gunpowder plot when
they were questioned, in the play the Porter says “Here’s an equivocator who com-
mitted treason enough for God’s sake”, repeating some of the words they said. The
guilt that Shakespeare instills into Macbeth and Lady Macbeth has terrifying conse-
quences and eventually leads to their immense suffering and respective deaths.
Throughout Macbeth, the theme of guilt is used to try to discourage the act of regi-
cide, and thus it is vital.
Guilt plays an important role in the play as it leads to the eventual downfall of Mac-
beth. Following the murder of Duncan, the audience see the beginning of the col-
lapse of Macbeth. This is evident in a early hallucination when he hears “a voice
cry… 'Macbeth does murder sleep'" As time goes on, guilt has a greater affect on
Macbeth. Later on in the novel, even Macbeth's dreams are affected by the tremen-
dous he feels. This is evident when he says "these terrible dreams that shake us
nightly". The guilt Macbeth feels takes control of his unconscious mind, thus it is ex-
tremely powerful and emphasises the terrible consequences of regicide. Through-
out the play guilt constantly takes over Macbeth’s subconscious mind but at the
banquet, when Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost, for the first time, we see guilt taking
over Macbeth's conscious mind. When Macbeth says "blood will have blood”, for
the first time Macbeth consciously admits he is guilty for the murder of Duncan and
that he will be punished as the blood of a murder victim will seek out the blood of its
murderer. After the terrible effects the guilt has on Macbeth, he finally understands
his guilt and the only way he will get rid of his guilt is to die, as he will "try the last",
therefore showing the importance of guilt.
Moreover, the theme of guilt is essential in the play because it engenders the
breakdown of Lady Macbeth and results in her death. This highlighted through her
frequent use of questions such as "what need we fear?" and "will these hands
never be clean" which suggests she is mentally ill because of her breakdown of lan-
guage - she is asking herself questions without answering them which highlights
her deteriorated state of mind as a result of her guilt. Also, the effect that guilt has
on Lady Macbeth is further evident when she asks "the thane of fife had a wife,
where is she now". Her dominated language from earlier in the play breaks down as
it is now in rhyme which conveys her breakdown. Because of Lady Macbeth's guilt
she commits suicide, since she realises there is only one way to pay for her sins
and give Duncan’s soul justice.
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