A tragic story of the fear, guilt, and greed of a robust warrior of the Scottish kingdom pushed to the extreme is Shakespeare’s Macbeth. From the opening introduction of Macbeth and the prophesy of the weird sisters, the seed of murderous intent was planted. After the first prophecy from the weird sisters about becoming Thane of Cawdor comes to pass, Macbeth contemplates what it would take for him to seize the throne:This supernatural solicitingCannot be ill, Cannot be good. If ill,...If good, why do I yield to that suggestionWhose horrid image doth unfix my hairAnd make my seated heart knock at my ribsAgainst the use of nature? Present fearsAre less than horrible imaginings.He decides that murder is beyond his boundaries and to let fate determine his future. The thought of murder is not completely erased from Macbeth’s conscience and he confides in “his dearest partner in greatness” for advice. There is no hesitation from her; the prophecy to Macbeth sparks in her a lust for power that will lead to an inevitable downfall. Lady Macbeth uses her husband’s desire to please her to manipulate him, because she knows he is “too full of the milk of human kindness.” She takes matters into her own hands, laying out a plan for her husband to kill Duncan.Macbeth struggles with the loyalty between his wife and Duncan, knowing that Duncan is a worthy and humble king. Macbeth tells his wife, “We will proceed no further in this business.” Lady Macbeth immediately lashes out against Macbeth’s manliness and pride. Macbeth surrenders himself to his wife, and his vanity gives way to fear. The weakness of Macbeth is apparent at once. He starts to hallucinate; he sees ghosts and hears voices. By the time the brutal murder of Duncan is complete Macbeth is so racked with fear and guilt he cannot bear to tie up the loose ends. “I am afraid to think what I have done. Look on it aga...
