Consequences Of Macbeth's Mental Deterioration

Throughout Shakespears tragic play of Macbeth, Macbeth has done many bad things that lead to many consequences. The consequences from these events eventually lead to his mental deterioration. Macbeth’s character traits are the driving forces that have led up to this point, as those traits are his ambitions, guilt, and lady Macbeth . Macbeth was an honorable man until his fame overcame him.
Macbeth’s ambitions are a large factor to his mental deterioration. While at first Macbeth was a down to earth and brave man who didn’t see overwhelming power in his future that quickly changed. Throughout the course of the play Macbeth has a tendency to make decisions out his want for power. For example when the three witches prophesize that Macbeth will become Thane of Cowder, and later the king of Scotland. Through this Macbeth believes he will become the man of the land especially when the first prophecy becomes true and he is named the thane of cowder. Macbeth now becomes overpowered by greed when he …show more content…
Macbeth gains this guilt from the killing of King Duncan. We can see that guilt is a present feeling of Macbeth before the murder even took place, as he does not want to go through with killing of king Duncan, but Lady Macbeth insist. Once the murder is complete though Macbeth starts to hear things he is unable to explain. This guilt starts to manipulate his mind as he can no longer enjoy basic aspects of life alongside he begins to start seeing “Banquo’s Ghost”. Through these inner feelings he is even unable to pray to god due to his guilt ridden life. Ultimately this guilt will turn him insane as he can no longer function as a regular human as he has unexplainable breakdowns that he is unable to explain to his peers. The author is depicting now that no matter how much power you possess, you can’t escape your actions through it as they will catch up to