Philosophical discussions on morals and freedom tend to focus on the issue of free will. This often brings up the question of whether humanity is responsible for all actions or could there be other forces already in play. The amount of evil caused by human fault is a theme located in literature all throughout history starting as early as the book of Genesis when looking at Adam and eve, ranging more recently to Shakespeare 's play Macbeth. In the following paper, I will argue that Shakespeare has written this play so the reader can understand regardless of the metaphysical and biological settings throughout this play, Macbeth can be held fully responsible for every action he commits. To begin, myths in correlation to evil have been identified
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All throughout this play are indications that Macbeth is experiencing a high increase in lack of sleep. Every interpretation of this play includes moments of hallucinations that seem to be the result of the insomnia he is facing. For example he proclaims, "Still it cried, “Sleep no more!” to all the house. Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more." (2.2.42-43). Looking at that quote it can easily be misinterpreted that Macbeth is simply not sleeping, therefore his judgment is now impaired. However, looking at the scenes in relation to this quote, it 's shown that a guilty conscience is the cause of his insomnia. After he commits his first murder, his lack of sleep begins to increase throughout the rest of the play. Due to the fact that his actions caused his insomnia, his lack of sleep then becomes a flawed excuse as to why he turns to a life of evil. Moving forward from his inability to sleep, authors also tend to blame his actions on the biological society Macbeth was born into. He 's immersed into a society where killing for the sake of your country is rewarded and praised. For example in the beginning of the play Duncan shouts, "O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!" (1.2.24). This quote is seen right after Macbeth returns from slaughtering the kind of Norway. He is then continuously praised for his actions of evil because they benefited his kingdom. Some would say that due to this environment he was destined to become a man of evil deeds, however later on in the play Shakespeare acknowledges that not all men in that society follow that violent lifestyle. After Macbeth immorally murders Macduff 's family in cold blood, Macduff shows sadness and sensitivity when learning of these acts placed upon his family. Following
All throughout this play are indications that Macbeth is experiencing a high increase in lack of sleep. Every interpretation of this play includes moments of hallucinations that seem to be the result of the insomnia he is facing. For example he proclaims, "Still it cried, “Sleep no more!” to all the house. Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more." (2.2.42-43). Looking at that quote it can easily be misinterpreted that Macbeth is simply not sleeping, therefore his judgment is now impaired. However, looking at the scenes in relation to this quote, it 's shown that a guilty conscience is the cause of his insomnia. After he commits his first murder, his lack of sleep begins to increase throughout the rest of the play. Due to the fact that his actions caused his insomnia, his lack of sleep then becomes a flawed excuse as to why he turns to a life of evil. Moving forward from his inability to sleep, authors also tend to blame his actions on the biological society Macbeth was born into. He 's immersed into a society where killing for the sake of your country is rewarded and praised. For example in the beginning of the play Duncan shouts, "O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!" (1.2.24). This quote is seen right after Macbeth returns from slaughtering the kind of Norway. He is then continuously praised for his actions of evil because they benefited his kingdom. Some would say that due to this environment he was destined to become a man of evil deeds, however later on in the play Shakespeare acknowledges that not all men in that society follow that violent lifestyle. After Macbeth immorally murders Macduff 's family in cold blood, Macduff shows sadness and sensitivity when learning of these acts placed upon his family. Following