The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare focuses on power, sleep, and guilt. The murder of King Duncan has a surprising effect on both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as they strive to fulfill the prophecy and take the throne. However, they did not anticipate the repercussions of their actions. As a result, they are burdened with guilt, insomnia, and strained relationships. This murder takes place after Macbeth learns about the prophecies from the witches.
Macbeth is informed that he will not only be Thane of Cawdor, but also King of Scotland. He discusses the witches with Banquo, who believes they are evil and warns Macbeth to be cautious of their prophecies. However, when Ross arrives to confirm that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor, he becomes willing to fulfill the witches' prophecy of becoming king and begins contemplating
...the murder of King Duncan. Macbeth questions why he is considering such a horrific act when he already holds the title of Thane of Cawdor. This thought brings great fear and unsettling thoughts into his mind.
Macbeth writes a letter to his wife, detailing his meeting with the witches and the prophecies they shared. The letter divulges Lady Macbeth's aspiration to become queen and her prompt determination to murder Duncan in order to make the prophecy come true. Macbeth declares, 'The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan'. He expresses his wish for his knife to be unseen as it inflicts the deadly blow. Following this, Macbeth arrives at the castle and announces that King Duncan will soon arrive.
Lady Macbeth and Macbeth plot to assassinate the king, but when the king arrives at the castle, Lad
Macbeth welcomes him. Meanwhile, Macbeth thinks about killing Duncan, but he ultimately chooses not to because of two strong reasons: "He's here in double trust as I am his relative and his loyal subject."
In contrast to the duty of his host, Macbeth is initially hesitant to protect himself from the murderer and refrain from taking up the knife himself. However, Lady Macbeth scolds him for being cowardly and he declares, "I am willing to do everything that is honorable for a man; anyone who dares to do more is not considered a man." This declaration convinces him to follow through with their plan. On the night of the assassination, Macbeth experiences hallucinations of an imaginary dagger which guides him towards Duncan's chamber, leading him ultimately towards his predetermined fate. He carries out the murder and then returns to his chamber where Lady Macbeth awaits.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both feigned sleep upon returning to bed, motivated by their ambition for power and resolve to fulfill the prophecy. They were willing to go to any lengths necessary in order to seize the throne. In this pursuit, Macbeth not only neglected his duty as a kinsman to safeguard and show respect towards his king but also committed regicide by murdering him. As a result, Macbeth now confronts the unforeseen consequences of damaging his relationship with King Duncan, who had always treated him kindly and generously. Macbeth's actions have shattered Duncan's trust and deceitfully betrayed him.
Lady Macbeth's ambition to become queen and fulfill the prophecy proves futile as she realizes that the throne does not bring happiness or peace of mind. Our desires are in vain, and everything has
been squandered. It is preferable to be destroyed rather than live in uncertain bliss. Lady Macbeth's relationship with Macbeth deteriorates, causing them to grow apart. She constantly challenges his masculinity and coerces him into making unwanted decisions. Consequently, Macbeth no longer seeks his wife's counsel before carrying out the murders of Banquo and Fleance. Lady Macbeth begins sleepwalking and speaking unconsciously during her nights.
During her sleepwalking, Lady Macbeth confesses to the murders she and Macbeth have committed. She laments that Banquo is dead and cannot be brought back from his grave. Lady Macbeth desires to reverse Duncan's death and alter the past but acknowledges its impossibility. She accepts that "What's done cannot be undone." While seeing blood on her hands, Lady Macbeth struggles to remove the imaginary stain, exclaiming "Out damned spot! Out I say!" The scent of blood also persists for her, as she states "Here's the smell of the blood still. All perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." This episode of sleepwalking highlights how Lady Macbeth remains burdened by guilt even in her unconscious state.
The reason why Lady Macbeth's hand washing is important is that it shows her inability to rid herself of the guilty thoughts associated with the murder of Duncan. Unexpectedly, Lady Macbeth eventually takes her own life. The guilt and sleepwalking that follow the murder of Duncan are unforeseen consequences that Lady Macbeth encounters. Similarly, Macbeth experiences unforeseen consequences as well. He constantly battles with a guilty conscience and descends into madness. After killing Duncan, he feels remorse.
"To know my deed, 'Twere best not know myself. Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst! Macbeth experiences
sleep deprivation, illustrating his guilt for his actions. Additionally, his insomnia impairs his ability to make rational decisions. Macbeth's unyielding desire to achieve kingship leads him to eliminate all obstacles in his path. Unexpectedly, he murders his loyal companion and friend, Banquo. Furthermore, Macbeth commits a more savage and brutal act by slaughtering Macduff's entire family, surpassing even the violence of Duncan's murder."
This indicates that Macbeth's mental state deteriorated significantly after he murdered Macduff's family. He descends into madness, encountering the hallucination of Banquo's ghost during a dinner event. Eventually, Macbeth becomes aware that the act of killing Duncan did not bring him any joy. He experiences a profound lack of anticipation for his forthcoming days.
'I've reached a point in my life where everything has deteriorated and all that is expected with old age, such as respect, love, loyalty, and companionship, is beyond my reach. Macbeth's downfall ultimately comes at the hands of Macduff, who was born of a woman. This unforeseen event occurs.'
The unforeseen aftermath of the assassination of King Duncan included feelings of guilt, insomnia, and ultimately led to their demise. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both expressed remorse for their actions and their aspirations for absolute power proved to be their downfall, driving them into madness. While the murder had been a deliberate and calculated act on their part, they had not anticipated the devastating consequences that would unravel their lives.
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