Guilt Macbeth

• How does Shakespeare explore Guilt in Macbeth?


  Shakespeare paints a cautionary tale as those who disrupt the cosmic order will face brutal consequences which is shown through the ambitious Macbeths whose lust for power blinds them from morality and religion. As ambition takes over, guilt consumes around their conscience, tightening its grip as their descent from grace unfolds.
• How does Shakespeare use Macbeth to present Guilt?


  Disintegration of innocence is a direct consequence of his deceitful actions in seizing the throne by committing regicide and Macbeth's descent into madness is evident. "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep"
• How does Shakespeare use Lady Macbeth to present guilt?

  Lady Macbeth's omnipotent ambitions bind her to the profound mental turmoil Macbeth is experiencing and Shakespeare does this to highlight those who disrupt their place in the Great Chain Of Being will experience mental torment until the balance is restored to its natural order. "A little water clears us of this deed"
• How does Shakespeare use Banquo to present Guilt?


  Banquo's sincerity operates as a foil to Macbeth's deceit as Macbeth falsely asserts that he does not "think" of the prophecies, Banquo's moral characterisation is strategically employed to heighten the contrast with Macbeth's dishonesty and duplicity. "I dream'd of the three weird sisters last night"
• What is the analysis for "I dream'd of the three weird sisters last night"


  abstract noun "dream'd" signifies affliction and guilt suggesting that he is haunted by not only in his waking moments but also in the realm of sleep, this implies that the intrusion of superstition into Banquo's consciousness is trespassing on his unconscious mind. Motif of sleep is synonymous with loss of innocence, as Macbeth grapples with guilt he "sleeps no more" whilst Banquo retains the capability of sleep. This contrast illustrates Banquo's preservation of innocence as he truthfully admits to being captivated
• What is the analysis for "A little water clears us of this deed"


  her callousness becomes apparent as she employs litotes "a little" not only to trivalise the act of murder but to emasculate Macbeth encouraging him further along his murderous path. She employs euphemism to characterise regicide as a mere "deed" highlighting a paradoxical aspect of her character. Despite her ambitions to shed feminine traits and embrace tyrannical brutality, she struggles to articulate the gravity of the heinous act.
• What is the analysis for "sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep"

  Recurring motif that makes sleep synonymous with innocence, Macbeth is troubled by guilt and experiences a troubled sleep pattern symbolising departure from innocence. Exclamative sentence emphasises the enduring and irreversible nature of Macbeth's loss of sleep and innocence. Disruption of the natural order through his wickedness masked by a facade of moral piety has forever condemned his mind to the relentless torment of guilt.