Macbeth Group

Question:

vangm8928
vangm8928
Student

What was Macbeth's lack of morals as seen in the play, Macbeth? 

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Posted by vangm8928 on Sunday March 8, 2009 at 12:54 PM and tagged with conflicts, immorality, macbeth, the tragedy of macbeth, themes.

Answers:

  1. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    Macbeth's immoral behavior results from his overwhelming ambition for power and wealth: He wants to become King of Scotland, no matter the cost to his character or even to his immortal soul. Once he gives in to his "black and deep desires," Macbeth sets out to gain the crown, committing numerous immoral acts, one after another with increasing frequency.

    Macbeth's secret desire to become King of Scotland first turns him from an honest and valiant soldier and friend into a liar and deceiver--and then into a murderer of innocent men, women, and even children. Before he is finally destroyed, Macbeth murders King Duncan, casts guilt upon Duncan's sons, arranges the murders of Banquo and his son (Fleance does escape), and orders the destruction of Macduff's entire household, including his wife, children and servants. 

    Macbeth's immorality and depravity are great, and even he understands the depths to which he has sunk to gain power: 

    Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood

    Clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather

    The multitudinous seas incarnadine,

    Making the green one red.

    Macbeth understands how much blood he has on his hands, but it does not deter him. The strength of his ambition is far greater than that of his conscience.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/macbeth-character-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/summary
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/themes

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    Posted by mshurn on Sunday March 8, 2009 at 1:32 PM