Theme Of Insanity In Macbeth

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Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting the same result. The insane character of Macbeth believed that after all of the murders and the betrayal that he will one day deserve to be king. In the tragic play, Macbeth, William Shakespeare develops the character of Macbeth by revealing his descent into insanity and obsession in order to bring light to the prevalent problem of unchecked ambition. This issue is shown through this character’s words and actions.
Before Macbeth’s descent into madness, he was considered to be “noble” by King Duncan (1.2.67). The King felt so confident in him that he placed Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor. The witches deliver the fateful prophecy to this tragic …show more content…
Macbeth’s mad mind believes it hears “Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor/Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more” (2.2.43). The symbol of sleep is so important because it signifies the impact of the guilt that Macbeth is drowning in. The absence of sleep is a big contributor to his descent into madness and insanity. One uses sleep to relax and repair the body and mind. Those who do not sleep suffer from both physical and emotional exhaustion, get lost in their minds, and eventually lose all sense of reality. Macbeth has a realization the is he had “died an hour before this chance” then he could say that he “had lived a blessed time” because now, “there’s nothing serious in mortality” (2.3.72). He knows now that he has to live with what he did till the end. He says to Lennox that he “still regret[s] the anger that drove me to kill [the servants]” Lennox not knowing he really means killing the king (2.3.84). Macbeth is on the path to obsession for power at this point in the …show more content…
He makes a scene in front of all of the lords by claiming “the tables full” when in fact Macbeth’s chair is empty (3.4.48). The lord's show concern for the king asking “what is’t that moves your highness” and proceeding to say that they need to leave because “his highness is not well” (3.4.55). This is such a crucial moment in the play because the other characters at this feast could perceive this as guilt for murdering the king. Their loyalty to the new king has been compromised because he reveals his rotting mind to his guests without knowing how badly it would come back to haunt him. Macbeth proceeds to go to bed with Lady Macbeth claiming “My self-abuse/Is the initiate fear that wants hard use./We are yet but young in deed” meaning they are just beginners when it comes to committing a crime (3.4.148). This creates a question for the readers because they know from the beginning that Macbeth has killed plenty of times being a soldier yet asserts that this is his first crime. When in reality taking the life of another is a crime in itself, whether they deserve it or not, whether they are considered an enemy or not, or if taking their life will benefit the killer. Has Macbeth really gone so mad that he doesn't believe himself that he has committed a crime

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