William Blake's Pity: a Reflection of Shakespeare's Macbeth

William Blake, a renowned poet and artist of the Romantic era, explored themes of empathy, compassion, and human suffering in his works. One of his most poignant poems, titled "Pity," delves into the concept of pity and its implications on human nature. This essay will analyze Blake's poem "Pity" in the context of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, highlighting the parallels between the two works and their exploration of the theme of pity. By examining the characters' actions and motivations, as well as the consequences of their choices, it becomes evident that both Blake and Shakespeare present pity as a complex and multifaceted emotion that can lead to both salvation and destruction.

The Implications of Pity in Macbeth

Shakespeare's Macbeth is a tale of ambition, power, and the devastating consequences that arise from unchecked desires. The character of Macbeth, driven by his ambition and manipulative wife, Lady Macbeth, commits regicide in order to seize the throne. However, throughout the play, Macbeth's actions and motivations are often driven by a sense of pity for himself and his own perceived suffering. This pity, though seemingly noble, ultimately leads to his downfall. Blake's poem "Pity" echoes this sentiment, highlighting the dangers of allowing pity to cloud one's judgment and fuel destructive actions.

In Macbeth, we witness Macbeth's initial act of regicide driven by his own sense of pity, as he believes that he deserves the throne more than Duncan, the rightful king. This pity for himself blinds him to the moral consequences of his actions and paves the way for further acts of violence and manipulation. As the play progresses, Macbeth's initial pity for himself transforms into an insatiable thirst for power, leading to the destruction of his own soul and the kingdom he once sought to rule. Blake's poem "Pity" underscores the tragic nature of Macbeth's journey, emphasizing the dire consequences of allowing pity to consume one's moral compass.

The Parallels in Blake's "Pity"

Blake's "Pity" explores the transformative power of compassion and the ways in which it can serve as a guiding force in human existence. In the poem, Blake personifies pity as a divine being who offers solace and redemption to those in need. However, Blake also acknowledges the potential dangers of pity, as it can lead to a passive acceptance of suffering without actively seeking change. This sentiment is mirrored in Macbeth, where characters like Macduff and Malcolm, driven by a sense of pity for their country and its people, rise up against Macbeth's tyrannical rule.

Despite the similarities between Blake's "Pity" and Macbeth, it is important to note that the consequences of pity in the two works differ. In Blake's poem, pity is portrayed as a force of salvation and redemption, offering solace and hope to those in need. However, in Macbeth, pity is ultimately depicted as a destructive force that leads to chaos and tragedy. This difference highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of pity, suggesting that its implications vary depending on the context and the actions it inspires.

The Broader Implications of Pity

Both William Blake's "Pity" and Shakespeare's Macbeth shed light on the intricate relationship between pity, compassion, and the human condition. Through their exploration of characters driven by a sense of pity, the two works invite readers to reflect on the consequences of allowing this emotion to guide one's actions. While pity can serve as a catalyst for positive change and empathy, it can also lead to self-destruction and the destruction of others.

In conclusion, William Blake's poem "Pity" and Shakespeare's Macbeth offer profound insights into the nature of pity and its implications. Both works demonstrate the transformative power of this emotion, emphasizing the need for caution and self-reflection when guided by it. By examining the parallels between Blake's poem and Shakespeare's tragedy, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of pity and its potential for both salvation and destruction. As readers, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and compassion, tempered by reason and moral judgment, in navigating the complexities of the human experience.