Guilt is Macbeth's Fate

Introduction

William Shakespeare is one of the most famed writers in the history of the world. Macbeth is one of the prime examples of his literary prowess. His use of tone, style, mood, and humor blend together to elicit feelings of tragedy and despair, while also adding a touch of ambition to keep it interesting. Shakespeare's ability to weave complex characters and intricate plots makes Macbeth a timeless piece of literature.

'Guilt is Macbeth's Fate'

Macbeth is a classic play filled with themes of death, despair, regret, betrayal, and love. The complications arise when Macbeth kills King Duncan to take over the kingdom. The bigger problem is that Macbeth now has to figure out how to hide the murder, leading him to continue killing those who discover the truth, thus skyrocketing his body count. The downfall of Macbeth is marked by the escalating murders, forcing Malcolm to explain to the audience that he plans to restore hope to Scotland (Shakespeare, 1606/2020).

Macbeth: Protagonist and Antagonist

Personally, I think Macbeth is the most likely protagonist of the entire play. He is the one who always seems to initiate all the problems. Macbeth is such an egotistical, self-centered character that he becomes the center of attention and the epicenter of all conflicts. For the most part, identifying the antagonist is more challenging. Many characters attempt to oppose Macbeth, but they all meet their demise. However, from a different perspective, Macbeth is also the main antagonist. His lust for power and desire to be in charge becomes his own worst enemy. He simply cannot overcome his own flaws. Once he crosses the line, he finds it impossible to step back (Bloom, 2005).

Macduff: The Nemesis

Macduff emerges as the main foe of Macbeth and has his own fatal flaw. Macduff ultimately becomes Macbeth's downfall. Due to his stubborn ways and obsessive arrogance, Macbeth believes he can get away with killing Duncan, take over Scotland, and everything will be fine and dandy. He also considers himself invincible because of the witches’ prophecy, which states that no man born of a woman can harm him. However, since Macduff was born via C-section, he was not born naturally, giving him the ability to kill Macbeth (Shakespeare, 1606/2020).

Themes of Guilt and Ambition

There are quite a few themes in the play, but one of the most prominent is guilt. Macbeth feels extreme guilt right after killing Duncan. He talks about the fact that he cannot sleep again and keeps seeing blood on his hands. This guilt-driven hallucination showcases the psychological torment Macbeth experiences, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked ambition (Greenblatt, 2010).

Conclusion

Ultimately, Macbeth is a complex exploration of the human psyche and the devastating effects of ambition and guilt. Shakespeare masterfully crafts a narrative that delves deep into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by his characters, ensuring that the play remains relevant and thought-provoking even today.

References:

• Bloom, H. (2005). Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations: William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Chelsea House Publishers.
• Greenblatt, S. (2010). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Shakespeare, W. (1606/2020). Macbeth. Folger Shakespeare Library.