Insane Macbeth

An insane person is one that demonstrates foolish acts because of their poor mental state. In the beginning of Macbeth, Macbeth is characterized as a brave soldier. His bravery on the battlefield earned him the titles of Thane of Cawdor and Glamis. The play leads the reader to believe that Macbeth is sane, but when he receives prophesy from the witches that he will be king, an insane character emerges from within. Macbeth demonstrates these characteristics when he claims to see a floating dagger and an illusionary ghost and also becomes obsessed with the idea of killing others, and not being completely human. Macbeth displays the characteristics of an insane character because of his foolish acts and poor mental state when he visualizes the floating dagger, speaks to a ghost, becomes obsessed with killing others and with the idea of being invincible.

When Macbeth begins talking to a ghost, his insanity becomes very apparent to the reader. From another one of the witches prophesies, Macbeth is threatened by Banquo because his sons are to be king one day as well. Macbeth begins to see Banquo's and makes foolish comments. He says, "[Macbeth] The table's full... [Lennox] Here is a place reserved sir. [Macbeth] Where? [Ross] Gentlemen, rise, his Highness is not well." (3:4:47-49,53) In this quote Macbeth demonstrates his insanity because he thinks that the table is full and does not realize that the ghost he sees is invisible to the other sane people in the room. The others notice that Macbeth is insane as well because Ross even suggests that he is not well. Macbeth also appears to be insane when he tries to talk to the ghost. Macbeth says "[To the ghost] Avaunt! And quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee!" (3:4:93-94) Here, Macbeth is talking to the ghost and looks foolish because no one else can see the ghost and he appears to be talking to nothing. His mind is in poor state because the death of Banquo is on his conscience