Theme Of Paranoia In Macbeth

In his play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses plot to showcase the cause and effect relationship between ambition and action. This plays a major part in the main theme of the play, which questions unchecked power and ambition. Macbeth’s power/position goes unchecked for a long period of time in the play; this is not to say that there were not those who wondered whether Macbeth was actually fit to be in charge. This merely shows how rather than taking action sooner, most of the characters who were wary of Macbeth chose first to try and wait things out, all the while Macbeth continued on his quest for more power. A debatable topic that stems from the theme of unchecked power and ambition, is whether or not Macbeth’s ambition to become King was pre-existing …show more content…
In the times leading up to Duncan’s murder and the moments following, Macbeth displays common characteristics of paranoia. Macbeth’s paranoia plays a major role in the plot of the play and emphasizes the main theme, by suggesting the idea that limitless power can often drive someone insane. Macbeth first shows signs of paranoia in Act II scene i, when he first envisions a dagger that does not exist. This shows how, even though he had already decided that he was to murder Duncan, he was still hesitant; he was already experiencing low levels of guilt mixed with anticipation before the murder was committed. He knows that what he is doing is questionable, but he knows that he will still go through with it because it means that he is going to be king, and in this instance, power outweighs guilt. Macbeth vocalizes his concerns as well in Act I scene vii saying, “But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, we’d jump the life to come. But in these cases we still have judgement here,...” (Line 6-8). Macbeth knows that his actions will be judged harshly by a greater power (i.e. God), and this can be viewed as important, because in this moment, Macbeth is checking his own ambition, and he is wondering whether or not he should go through with his plan. But he does; Lady Macbeth convinces him that power is greater than any guilt. There is an idea that states that no one is ever all …show more content…
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