The Destruction Of Identity In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

“When your desires are strong enough you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve”. This quote by Napoleon Hill expresses that when someone’s brain is introduced to a desirable concept, it can cause them to act out of their usual character. Sometimes in life the way an individual perceives new information can alter their already existing beliefs. As a result, they can start reacting to situations in a way they never have before, therefore altering their identity. This is displayed in the play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare when the main character, Macbeth, who is a well-respected general is introduced to three witches who provide him with multiple predictions about his future. These include becoming king of Scotland, staying aware of Macduff, and not being able to be killed by any man who was born …show more content…
This prophecy gives Macbeth mixed emotions because he knows that he can’t enlist his full trust in the witches, but he also knows that there has to be some truth to what they are saying. “Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee?” (4.1.89). Macbeth says this because this prophecy provides him with a sense of comfort. He believes that Scotland will win the war and despite everyone’s efforts to remove him, he will remain of the throne. He also begins to feel very confident in Scotland winning the war so he orders for his messenger to stop bringing him reports on the incoming enemy army. However, despite his new found confidence Macbeth felt contradicted about the witches new set of prophecies and knew that from previous experience with them, he still needed to take precautions. The enemy army are still miles away but Macbeth still orders for his armour to be brought and put on him. By believing in this prophecy Macbeth becomes more careless than he usually is which leads to his