Macbeth

Macbeth Research Paper

"Fear, as opposed to anxiety, has a definite object (as most authors agree), which can be faced, analyzed, attacked, endured." (Tillich). Shakespeare would disagree with Tillich because Shakespeare's writing shows that fear takes over the soul and all rational thought. Shakespeare used fear as a burden that one cannot overcome. He used it as the ultimate weapon of self-destruction. As the author of The Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare created Macbeth, a man so wrought with fear he murdered everyone around him, which ultimately leads to his own demise. The fear shown throughout the play causes Macbeth's irrationality.

Panic causes violence. Because Macbeth fears that everyone suspects him for killing Duncan and wants to overthrow him his fear grows and manifests into violence, reeking havoc throughout the country. Macbeth slaughters his used-to-be friends and their families. "Our fears in Banquo stick deep and in his royalty of nature reins that which would be feared. Ð''Tis much he dares; and, to that dauntless temper of his mind, he hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor to act in safety. There is none but he whose being I do fear: and under him my genius is rebuked, as it is said Mark Antony's was by Cesar." (3.1.40-57) Macbeth becomes paranoid that Banquo, his friend, wants to overthrow him. The witches' prophecy states that Banquo's children will become kings, not Macbeth's. In turn, Macbeth wants to get rid of Banquo because he is a threat to Macbeth's rule over Scotland.

Guilt causes betrayal. Since Lady Macbeth feels remorse towards the murder of Duncan, she subconsciously tells the gripping secret that will haunt her forever more. "Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." (5.1.43-44) She speaks of how the blood will never wash and never fade. The stench of the old mans blood will never wash away. Nothing can ever cover the crime she and Macbeth committed. "Ð'...we do see following each murder is the almost unbearable suffering of Macbeth and his wifeÐ'...for example Lady Macbeth's sleep walking following the murder of Lady Macduff."