Illusion And Reality In Macbeth

Improved Essays
“ look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under it, He that’s coming Must be provided for:” ( I, IV, 72 - 74) In Macbeth, William Shakespeare suggests that ambition can cause an individual’s ability to reconcile with their illusion and reality to be dealt with differently for individuals. Macbeth is a character in the play that is demonstrated to be very ambitious. The three witches prophesies created an illusion that Macbeth would be king, and he took action to make that illusion become a reality.
In addition, Macbeth is a strong noble general in the king's army. In the event that the witches had three prophecies for Macbeth, they started out as just illusions. When these prophecies gradually became true, it became a simple task to make the third one come true. To be King
…show more content…
Banquo, Macbeth's best friend portrays the understanding that he knows what Macbeth did to become king. The ambition over ran the mind of Macbeth, and he now pressured himself to kill Banquo. The reality of this statement is that Banquo does suspect Macbeth to be the murderer. “ and I fear Thou play’dst most foully for’t,” ( III, I, 2 - 3) Banquo does recognize that Macbeth being Thane of Cawdor, and Glamis were named to him by Duncan, but is suspicious to why King of Scotland came to him so quickly. Reality is viewed that Banquo does know Macbeth killed Duncan. The ambition it took to kill Banquo to keep his title were to keep his reality true. Once Banquo was killed, we see illusion making its way back into Macbeth's life. The illusion of his ghostly best friend is now haunting him of the decisions he has made, and guilt is over running him. “ Avaunt! and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee!” ( III, IV, 113 - 114) The illusion of Banquo's ghost gives Macbeth the side of illness, and others begin to find themselves questioning the health and wellness of their

Related Documents

  • Superior Essays

    (I. VII. 142-145). In this quote, Macbeth unpacks his true feelings. He explains that just the thought of committing this foul act of killing his own king disgusts him. He states that his ability to act would be clouded by the burden he would have put on his head. This means that if Macbeth had not have been ambitious, he would not have even thought about murdering the King, although, his rambunctious nature and personality leads him to believe this is the only way to become King. In reality, Macbeth overcomes his guilt with his ambition. In consequences of these actions, Macbeth is forced to continue his murderous spree due to the fact that he never feels satisfied with what he has. Although Macbeth is reigning as King of Scotland, both him and his wife believe that something is still missing. Macbeth believes that he must keep the crown in the family or else he would have done all these actions for no reason. He then decides to target Banquo because of the witches’ prophecy that says Banquo’s sons will be the start of a long line of kings. Macbeth devises a plan to kill Banquo and his son Fleance, “Know Banquo was your enemy”(III. I. 114). In this quote, Macbeth is speaking to the murderers he had hired to kill Banquo. Macbeth is trying to give a valid explanation on why it is acceptable to kill Banquo. It is quite easy to interpret that Macbeth says this because he believes that Banquo truly is his enemy. Macbeth considers Banquo an enemy…

    • 1541 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Macbeth believes he is able to go unnoticed and never even be considered as a suspect. Because Macbeth feels he is left can be left without consequence, this allows him to think he can do the same to Banquo. As Macbeth becomes more paranoid of his status on the throne, he becomes more irrational. Macbeth shows his illogical thought process to the audience through his conversations with Lady Macbeth. Macbeth tells his wife it is necessary to kill Banquo because, “We 've [Macbeth and Lady Macbeth] scorched the snake, not killed it” (Act 3. Sc. 2. Ln. 15). Even though it is unnecessary to kill Banquo, Macbeth feels it is necessary so he can protect power and the propechy. Macbeth thinks Banquo has a direct effect on his kingship because he kids will succeed Macbeth as king. Since Macbeth succeeded Duncan as king, he feels as if Banquo’s children will kill him as Macbeth killed Duncan. This shows that Macbeth realizes his gory act was rotten, but his polluted thoughts make him think Banquo should die. At one point, Macbeth even reasons to Lady Macbeth it is necessary because, “I am in blood stepped so far that, should I wade no more, returning were so tedious as go o 'er” (Act 3. Sc. 4. Ln. 170). This shows Macbeth feels since he has done so much bad that he must continue in order to justify his previous actions. The only things that have motivated Macbeth to kill are the false…

    • 1541 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Macbeth's Tragic Hero

    • 549 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Their prophecy foretells Macbeth what the future has for him. He is impacted most when the witches tell him that he will be named Thane of Cawdor and become king. Macbeth realized the threats between him and the throne, Duncan. Rather than being a polite host, Macbeth planned for the killing of Duncan while he was sleeping in their castle. By doing so, Macbeth not only killed an innocent individual, but he killed peace. Macbeth immediately feels a burden of guilt immediately after murdering Duncan. Trying to avoid the thought of that night, Macbeth told his wife he would not “Look on’t again I dare not” (Shakespeare II.III.67). He is knowingly forced to live with guilt now because of his decision of killing Duncan. Afterwards, Macbeth comes to realization that goodness and peace would be lost from him forever. He begins to have a serious case paranoia over having the crown stolen from him. Macbeth turns himself into a slash and burn murderer, quickly losing sight of humanity. He becomes insecure with the reasoning behind his actions, causing him to commit more murders. After arranging Banquo’s murder “It [was] concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight, / If it find heaven, must it find it out tonight” (Shakespeare III.II.161-162). Macbeth tormented himself even more by organizing the death of another innocent man. Not…

    • 549 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Greed Quotes In Macbeth

    • 740 Words
    • 3 Pages

    After he killed King Duncan, he finally gets his wish. At this time, his fear takes over his mind; he has started the endless dissimulation. At first, everyone thought the assassination was carried out by the guards, but as time goes by, people start to realize who on earth is the backstage manipulator. At this time, the prophecies of the three witches appear to Macbeth’s mind, it keeps reminding him that the son of Banquo will replace his position. The fear of losing the power impels him to murder Banquo and his son. Macbeth says to the murderers:”So is he mine; and in such bloody distance/That every minute of his being thrusts/Against my near’st of life.”(page 56) It is clear that he is terrified with the menace of his power, he could not wait to get rid of his “best friend”. As he wished, Banquo is killed by his murderers; but out of human nature, the figure of Banquo keeps tangling him which drives him…

    • 740 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    In the first place, Macbeth causes the destruction of his mind, by ignoring his conscious, and killing Duncan. After the witches predict that Macbeth will become king of Scotland, Macbeth plans to kill Duncan but faces a moral dilemma. This turmoil is made more prevalent after he actually murders Duncan. “Will all great Neptune 's ocean wash this blood/Clean from my hand?” 2. 2. 77-78. Blood is used to represent guilt in Macbeth. Therefore when Macbeth asks if the blood will ever be washed from his hand, he is referring to his guilt over killing Duncan. Macbeth knows that killing the king is an evil, and immoral act. He even acknowledges that Duncan has treated him well. Yet, he still yearns for power despite what his conscious is telling him. This is why, after he has actually killed him, Macbeth still faces emotional turmoil. By ignoring his conscious, in order to pursue his ambitions of being King, Macbeth ensures the destruction of his mental state. In the same way, killing his friend Banquo in order to protect his ambitions, ensures the destruction of Macbeth’s good name. After Macbeth has been crowned King, he suspects that Banquo may know what he has done to become king. Therefore he sends murderers to kill him. Later he sees apparitions of his friend. “ Thou canst not say I did it: never shake/Thy gory locks at me.” 3. 4. 63-64. It is obvious that this apparition of Banquo is…

    • 1981 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Great Essays

    He remembers that Banquo’s bloodline is what will take the kingdom after him, and for some reason, this triggers a thought in him that they would try to overthrow him during his reign. As a result of all of this, Macbeth decides that Banquo and his son must die. An important component of the play is the fact that both murders, of Duncan and Banquo, occur within the walls of Macbeth’s castle. Banquo is murdered just before a huge feast in honor of Macbeth’s new title, except his son escapes. When Macbeth learns this, he begins to suffer from another fit of paranoia. The most notable part of his fit, is when he begins to hallucinate Banquo’s ghost. This occurs in Act III scene iv, and Macbeth begins to panic, “Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me” (Line 53). Macbeth thinks that everyone can see him and he thinks that Banquo’s spirit is going to tell them all the truth of his actions, but when the others only react to his sudden outburst, his paranoia and panic begin to mix with anger, “If thou canst nod, speak too[...]” (Act III scene iv, Line 72). In this scene as well, Lady Macbeth diverts the people’s attention away from her husband’s obvious display of guilt, and convinces them that he is ill. The idea that Macbeth is the only one able to see Banquo’s ghost, suggests the idea…

    • 1755 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    False Security In Macbeth

    • 1033 Words
    • 5 Pages

    In the play, Macbeth is under the illusion that he is invincible and cannot be conquered. Macbeth is told by three witches that he will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of…

    • 1033 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Individuals who are deceptive or are deceived will consequently be a catalyst for disaster and chaos. William Shakespeare conveys the theme of deception in his tragic play ‘Macbeth’ through the protagonists; the witches, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. In Shakespeare’s era, the notion of being disloyal to the King will cause destruction to the chain of beings as well as cause insanity in themselves. The use of innumerable literary techniques and recurring motifs of nature and the contrast between light and dark aid in accentuating the theme.…

    • 1031 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Guilt Quotes In Macbeth

    • 677 Words
    • 3 Pages

    King Macbeth kills one of his closest friends, Banquo. Banquo is a character seen often throughout the play as a friend that Macbeth can talk to and confide in until Macbeth feels threatened of Banquo’s lineage. Macbeth feels nervous with a sense of guilt and that is why he suddenly sees Banquo’s ghost at the dinner table in act 3 scene 4. Macbeth sees this apparition of Banquo a second time when meeting with the three witches in the wood. He says “Horrible sight! Now, I see ‘tis true;/ For the blood-bolter’d Banquo smiles upon me,/ And points at them for his.” (Shakespeare 4.1.122-124) Macbeth is shocked and guilty when he sees the murdered Banquo walking with the procession of kings. The blood covered Banquo just shows Macbeth that the fate given to him cannot be affected and wasn’t affected by the murder of…

    • 677 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Also by Macbeth showing passion he want the joy and riches of being king and will do anything to get in the light of power that will give him the fame and fortune of being king. They strove so hard to make Macbeth king that they became totally obsessed with it. It became all they thought about and their whole being revolved around it. When Lady Macbeth finds that Macbeth has been prophesized to be king, she does not believe he is capable of fulfilling the prophecy alone. So, she says to herself, " Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thane ear, and chastise with the valor of my tongue which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crowned withal. “Macbeth becomes so passionate about becoming the king that he killed anyone who could possibly take the throne away from him, even the king,…

    • 1081 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Because Lady Macbeth has corrupted Macbeth, he starts to become crazed with power and ambition. Since killing King Duncan, Macbeth thinks that he now has to kill everyone who would get in his way, so he chooses Banquo as his first target. Macbeth left alone, says “For Banquo’s issue have I filled my mind; for them the gracious Duncan have I murdered;” (III.i.58-59) Here is where we start to see Macbeth’s corrupted mind plan to kill Banquo for the same reason as to killing King Duncan. Macbeth eventually hires murderers to kill Banquo, telling them “I will advise you where to plant yourselves; Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’the time, the moment on't; for’t must be done to-night” (III.i.134-136) Evidently Macbeth is not the same as…

    • 244 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The play begins by showing the reader that Macbeth is a fearsome warrior who has slaughtered many men in battle for King Duncan. As a gift for his skills, Duncan gives Macbeth more land and another title. Leaving the battle, he is met by three witches, who tell him that he will become king after King Duncan. His friend Banquo also receives a prophecy; that his children will hold the throne for generations down the line. Macbeth is morally torn by his desire to become king and his unwillingness to commit treason.…

    • 643 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    He starts to see, hear and imagine all sorts of things including “Macbeth shall sleep no more!” (2.2.56). His ambition has driven him into this state of distress: “I’m afraid to think what I have done/to know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself,” (2.2.66&92). He begins to question who he is and doesn’t want to live with his decision. At this point Macbeth’s “thriftless ambition” (2.4.37) begins to spin out of control. He describes killing Duncan as something he had to do for his own peace of mind, or to satisfy himself, “Whom we, to gain peace, have sent to peace,” (3.2.22). The truth is that his craving for power is unsatisfiable and he is constantly longing for more. Macbeth soon begins to feel insecure as the king because of the witches prophecies that Banquo will be father of a line of kings. He starts to view Banquo’s life as something holding him back from satisfying his ambition even further. The solution he comes up with is to “Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond which keeps me pale.” (3.2.54-55), he decides that Banquo needs to be killed. At the beginning of the book, Banquo is one of Macbeth’s greatest friends, and his ambition has turned this friend into nothing but a roadblock on Macbeth’s road to greatness. Macbeth uses this hate fueled by ambition to convince the murderers that Banquo is evil and needs…

    • 1516 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    William Shakespeare is known for his use of illusions that distort reality to show how characters perceive situations, and how those perceptions can determine fate. Shakespeare is able to employ this theme in his characters’ thoughts, words, and actions. Deciding and acting on what is real and what is not can make or break a character. This is apparent throughout Macbeth, a play that thoroughly…

    • 974 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The discrepancy between appearance and reality is the central concern of the play. The theme presents a knotty idea that nothing is what is seems. We live in a world where nothing and no one can be trusted; not the dreams, apparitions, or the witches. William Shakespeare uses the paradoxical motif “Fair is foul and foul is fair” to express the theme of appearance versus reality, emphasizing Macbeth’s distrust within Macbeth.…

    • 704 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays