Theme Of Guilt In Macbeth

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Macbeth: Guilt Analysis Guilt is a universal feeling inside all literature and history. It is written into plots and plays in a character's mind to taunt their insanity. Without guilt, a novel is less dramatic and intriguing. Throughout Macbeth by Shakespeare, guilt is a reoccurring theme. It motivates the characters to do things they wouldn't normally do. It makes them rethink their actions. It hinders their judgment. In the play Macbeth, guilt motivates the characters to do things that aren't mediocre. Altogether, with guilt also comes regret. “I am in blood; Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er”(3.4.142). Here he shows regret in killing all those people to become king. He feels surrounded by their blood. Coupled with regret is shame as well. “I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on ’t again I dare not” (2.2.52). Macbeth feels bad and ashamed that he doesn't want to think about what he's done. Committing dreadful crimes brings forth suicidal thoughts. “Better be with the dead, Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, Than on the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy” (3.2.22). Macbeth…show more content…
If thou canst nod, speak too. If charnel houses and our graves must send; Those that we bury back, our monuments; Shall be the maws of kites” (3.4.72). Macbeth starts hallucinating and sees a ghost in his party. Without judgment of right and wrong, things can lead into more devious and injustice deeds. Without a doubt, guilt plays a big role in Macbeth by Shakespeare. It gives motivation for characters to do uncommon things. It forces the character to dwell on the situation and rethink their actions. It removes any and all sense of judgment. While looking at that dark inner feeling that motivates and haunts an individual in reality and even in dreams, guilt, a huge aspect of Shakespeare's writing style will forever shun readers for many centuries to
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