In Shakespeare’s work, Macbeth, the protagonist’s state of mind slowly deteriorates throughout the play. Macbeth begins the play as a noble man, who is devoted in his service to the king. However, this changes drastically after he murders King Duncan in order to fulfill what he believes is his own destiny. Slowly, the wickedness of the act consumes him and he becomes nothing but a king sitting upon a throne of guilt. Macbeth starts the play as a loyal kingsman, willing to risk his life in order to protect the country. The first bit of information on Macbeth’s character is delivered by a wounded Captain, to King Duncan and his son Malcolm, he says: “Assisted by that most disloyal traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict” (I.ii.52-53).
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So, it will make us mad.” (II.ii. 34-35). She was right to believe so, because as the play progressed the remorse quickly consumed Macbeth, leaving him completely unlike the man who had killed a traitor in the name of the King. After being deeply affected with his overwhelming regret time and time again, Macbeth begins to restrict his emotions. His newfound apathy is especially apparent upon receiving word of his once beloved wife’s suicide. Without much distress at the news, Macbeth simply says, “She should have died hereafter;” (V.v.17). Macbeth shrugs off the news as he feels she would 've died later anyways. This reaction is quite unlike one to be expected from a man who once quite dearly loved his wife. As the play moves forward, Macbeth is found to be unconcerned regarding his own demise as well. As Macduff, Malcolm, and an army of men approached the kingdom, hearing the distress of the others in the state simply says, “I have almost forgotten the taste of fears.” (V.v.9). This may also be relative to this strange sense of pride Macbeth had acquired upon hearing the Witches’ apparitions declare “none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth.” (IV.i.79-80) After hearing this Macbeth seemed to believe he was invincible and as a result he felt no fear. Even so, with Macbeth’s new face of apathy and pride, there was still an underlying sense of guilt. This is evident at the arrival of Macduff when Macbeth says, “Of all men else I have avoided thee. But get thee back. My soul is too much charged with the blood of thine already.” (V.viii.4-6). Macbeth is remorseful of his impulsive decision to have all those who kept Macduff’s company killed, so does not wish to kill Macduff as well. This displays how right towards his death, Macbeth kept the deep regret of his actions with him. Even as he grew more and more apathetic, he could not kill
So, it will make us mad.” (II.ii. 34-35). She was right to believe so, because as the play progressed the remorse quickly consumed Macbeth, leaving him completely unlike the man who had killed a traitor in the name of the King. After being deeply affected with his overwhelming regret time and time again, Macbeth begins to restrict his emotions. His newfound apathy is especially apparent upon receiving word of his once beloved wife’s suicide. Without much distress at the news, Macbeth simply says, “She should have died hereafter;” (V.v.17). Macbeth shrugs off the news as he feels she would 've died later anyways. This reaction is quite unlike one to be expected from a man who once quite dearly loved his wife. As the play moves forward, Macbeth is found to be unconcerned regarding his own demise as well. As Macduff, Malcolm, and an army of men approached the kingdom, hearing the distress of the others in the state simply says, “I have almost forgotten the taste of fears.” (V.v.9). This may also be relative to this strange sense of pride Macbeth had acquired upon hearing the Witches’ apparitions declare “none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth.” (IV.i.79-80) After hearing this Macbeth seemed to believe he was invincible and as a result he felt no fear. Even so, with Macbeth’s new face of apathy and pride, there was still an underlying sense of guilt. This is evident at the arrival of Macduff when Macbeth says, “Of all men else I have avoided thee. But get thee back. My soul is too much charged with the blood of thine already.” (V.viii.4-6). Macbeth is remorseful of his impulsive decision to have all those who kept Macduff’s company killed, so does not wish to kill Macduff as well. This displays how right towards his death, Macbeth kept the deep regret of his actions with him. Even as he grew more and more apathetic, he could not kill