MacBeth - Analysis of Fear
MacBeth - Analysis of FearFear, this motivates us to do many things no matter if they are
right or wrong. In the play Macbeth it was fear that was the main
motivating factor that influenced the outcome of the play. This can be
proved by the subsequent murders that followed after Duncan's, why
were these committed? Because Macbeth was scared of being caught and
having to pay for the wrongs he had done. Also look at Lady Macbeth,
he constant washing of her hands, sleepwalking and other behaviour
like this. All done out of fear, and like her husband fear of being
caught. The final piece of proof I offer is Macbeth's actions, they
were all due to fear, not only of being caught but of the witches'
prophecies, he was scared of them coming true and tried to stop them
from happening. This whole play was inspired by fear and what it and
do to a person.
To begin, we'll address Macbeth's subsequent murders, following
Duncan's. For Macbeth, he's just killed the King of Scotland and
blamed it on his son. It worked and he became King, however he
remembered the witches' prophecies. They claimed that Macbeth would be
King, but it would be Banquo's children that would follow after him.
This made Macbeth very angry, he risked everything to become King and
after him none of his family will follow.
Only for them; and mine eternal jewel
Given to the common enemy of man,
To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings!
[Act III, S I, L 72-75]
Here Macbeth realizes that if something is not done to Banquo,
then his sons will become King. Macbeth can't have this, he's already
worried that his soul will go to hell for what he's already done. His
fear become evident in this scene also, "But to be safely thus: our
fears in Banquo Stick deep;" [Act III, S I, L 53-54] Macbeth then has
Banquo murdered, however his son Fleance escapes in the attack. Next
Macduff refuses to accept Macbeth as king and flees to England to join
Malcom. And also the witches tell him to beware of Macduff, which
angers Macbeth and drives him to kill Macduff's family. More fear of
losing the impending battle with England, makes Macbeth start doing
anything that will give him an edge in the final battle. Macbeth's
fear is starting to consume him, he can no longer sleep and is ravaged
by guilt over what he's done.
As well Lady Macbeth is being comsumed by fear and guilt, she is
slowing losing her sanity. This is a result of her not being
able to handle what she has done to Duncan. As shown in this quote
Out, damned spot!out,I say!One;Two:why,
then 'tis time to do't. Hell is murky. Fie, my lord,
fie! a soldier and afeard? What need we fear who knows
it, when none can call our power...
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