preview

Corruption In Macbeth

Decent Essays

Some would argue that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have a very overwhelming relationship. As stated by Harold Bloom “they are the happiest married couple in all [of Shakespeare’s] work”(Bloom, 171), with their “persuasive and valuable personalities [they are considered to be] profoundly in love” (Bloom 171). Sadly, every relationship has its drawback; in this case the couple continuously exchanges power between the two of them. Lady Macbeth recognizes if she wants her man to be the dominant man that he should be, then she must take the situation into her own hands. On the contrary, Macbeth comprehends that he does not need his wife to get what he wants, all his power then comes returning back to him only to corrupt his mind and care less about …show more content…

Corruption can be chosen to happen or ignored, Macbeth choses to continue the pathway of abusing his power. Macbeth soon realizes that he cannot depend on Lady Macbeth so much, and must grow out of these childish acts and learnt to act as a man if he wants people to respect him. He does this so by murdering Banquo and not including his wife in the decision. “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,” (3.2.48) he says to his Lady when she questions him what he has done. Clueless of the things going around Lady Macbeth, not only does she begin to lose control over her husband but as well go insane, only to follow Macbeth. “Ere we will eat our meals in fear, and sleep In the affliction of these terrible dreams That shake us nightly” (3.2.20-22). Macbeth cannot sleep nor eat without images of that night coming up. He wishes he can undo what has been done, but that is impossible. As they say, with power comes great …show more content…

In this case, Lady Macbeth’s wisdom and courage begin to deteriorate, allowing her nightmares to be released and stronger than ever, taking control of what is left of her dignity. Sleeping walking due to guilt becomes her nightly ritual. “What’s done, cannot be undone” (5.1. 65). Guilt traps her inside her own soul, not allowing what’s left of her to escape and take control of her fears. Sooner or later, her illness gets to the better of her, as her guilty conscious takes her away. Macbeth hearing of this news does not feel sympathy for her but rather dislodges the whole situation by saying “She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such a word” (5.5.17-18). He truly displays his true feelings for her in the scene allowing the readers to finally regard that Macbeth has escaped his youthful state, allowing his true form to get the best of

Get Access