Macbeth Chain Of Being Analysis

“Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack and then they attack others.” This quote by Niccolo Machiavelli clearly illustrates the unceasing thirst in humans to secure goals often at the expense of their own sanity and humanity. In
Shakespeare’s tragedy of Macbeth set in an era of superstition and governed by the belief of the
Chain of Being, it is Macbeth’s craving for power and position that ultimately consumes his morality. This is highlighted through the effective use of metaphors, imagery and soliloquies.
Similar ideas are portrayed in ShakespeareRe-told Macbeth, adapted to suit contemporary times, where his need for recognition and fame caused him to disregard the consequences of his actions. This is conveyed through brilliant use of imagery as well vivid camera shots throughout the movie. The consequences of betrayal and evilness come inevitably at great personal cost resulting in delusions, paranoia and guilt.

Unbridled ambition with lack of human ethics always leads to chaotic disruptions. This idea is clearly conveyed to us in the play Macbeth as hectic and unnatural. At the time of writing, Shakespeare audiences deeply believed in the concept of the Chain of Being. They believed there was an order ordained by God governing the position held by a person that was …show more content…
This notion is conveyed to us in Macbeth through the large load of guilt burdened upon Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after the murder of Duncan. Macbeth, in the shock of murdering Duncan, realizes the extent of betrayal he has committed. This is conveyed through the imagery when he thought he “heard a voice cry, ’Sleep no more: Macbeth does murder sleep’”. Sleep that should be providing a sense of comfort and security has become dangerous. And on the run to secure his position as King, murdering his best friend Banquo causes him to lose sanity and care less about murdering for egotistical