“Your own soul is destroyed when you are cruel”(King Solomon). Macbeth destroyed his soul over the course of William Shakespeare‘s “Macbeth” through his presumptuous ambitions and he murders he committed in order to become and remain king of Scotland. His downfall can be seen through Macbeth‘s actions, his statements, physical descriptions of Macbeth, and other character‘s statements. Macbeth‘s internal deterioration is seen in three distinct stages: the desire to become king, the murders of Duncan and Banquo, and Macbeth‘s acceptance of the fact that all of his actions have led him nowhere. The play begins with Macbeth being praised and honored for his valiant efforts in the military. The Captain calls him“brave Macbeth” because he has slain the evil Macdonwald. Macbeth receives the title Thane of Cawdor for his accomplishment. Later, the three witches predict that Macbeth will become King. Lady Macbeth receives word of the prediction and develops a plan to kill Duncan. However, she is fearful that Macbeth, who is “full o‘ th‘ milk of human kindness”, will not support her and the plan. This statement reveals Macbeth‘s sweet nature and his affection for all people. It is this characteristic that Lady Macbeth fears will prevent him from becoming King. After Macbeth has agreed to complete Lady Macbeth‘s plan, he begins to have doubts. He develops reasons as to why he should not kill Duncan. He contemplates that he is Duncan‘s:kinsman as well as subject,Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,Who should against his murderer shut the door,Not bear the knife [himself].Act I, Scene 7, Lns. 14-16Through this soliloquy, Macbeth reveals that he is hesitant to kill Duncan and that it is not in his nature to impose harm to others. The deterioration of Macbeth‘s conscious begins with the murder of Duncan. Through h...
