Macbeth Has No Conscience Analysis

Macbeth is a story about a war hero who is presented with the possibility of becoming king by three witches. His troubles revolve around his decision to either pursue the prospect of becoming king, or to let fate carry out this opportunity itself. Macbeth’s conflict forces people to think about their views regarding the future. It is also argued whether or not fate is real, or if one’s knowledge of a possible outcome will push them to make it come true. When Macbeth is presented with the likelihood of being king, he immediately jumps at the opportunity to tell his wife of their good fortune. They are immediately convinced that this prophecy will become true. This kickstarts a killing spree, and Macbeth’s tragedy begins. Questions arise …show more content…
Macbeth is callous, he is unkind, and worst of all, Macbeth is only concerned about himself. “Macbeth has no conscience. His main concern throughout the play is that most selfish of all concerns; to get a good night’s sleep…” (McCarthy 3). He worries only about covering up the murders he committed and looking innocent to his court. Macbeth’s concerns only stretch to that of his own problems, not anyone else’s. Nor does he care or reflect upon the killing of innocents. For instance, Macbeth issues a kill order on Macduff’s family, including all of the servants and workers at his castle. His callous endeavors result in the slaughtering of faultless people. “Macbeth has not a predisposition to murder; he has merely an inordinate ambition that makes murder itself seem to be a lesser evil than failure to achieve the crown.” (Foakes 3). His motives are clear throughout the play, he wants to kill, he wants the crown. However, he pushes his conscience, what little there is left, to the back of his mind and focuses solely on the act of achieving the crown. “Yet, far from impeding him from further action, his conviction only impels him to ever more ruthless action, his insistence upon the world to which he is committed is now fired by desperation.” (McElroy 7). The drive to kill is everlasting and exemplifies his lack of conscience. So much so, that he will even encourage others to …show more content…
It is argued whether Macbeth worried over Lady Macbeth’s death, or if he only acted upon instinct. However, he does not seem to care what happens to his “beloved” wife, nor does he let any other issues get in the way of his tyranny. He has persuaded and manipulated to get his way, no matter the circumstances. “ Have you considered of my speeches? Know/That it was he, in the times past, which held you/So under fortune, which you thought had been/Our innocent self.” (3.1.77-80). In this scene, Macbeth is persuading the murderers to commit the crime by telling them that it was Banquo who is the center of all their problems. That it was he who caused them pain and suffering, all in hopes of a prosperous future for Macbeth. He feels the need to manipulate them into believing that Banquo is the problem. A man who is guilty would never do such a thing, and he wouldn’t feel the need to cause so much death. However, a man driven by pure ambition would feel the need to force his way into every situation when his desired outcome is not delivered to him on a silver platter. “I will be satisfied. Deny me this,/And an eternal curse fall on you!” (4.1.104-105). Here Macbeth is demonstrating his authority over the situation by threatening and yelling at the witches. He wants to know his future, to know his weaknesses. He wants to ensure stability, but cannot do so if he does not know what the future holds. Macbeth