Mccluney, Quan

Mrs. Davis
English 10 CP Green
19 May 2016
What bloody man is that: Manipulation of the mind in William Shakespeares The Tragedy of
Macbeth
Within the tragedy genre there exists a focus to incorporate a feud between two
characters leading to both of their deaths. Other plays such as Oedipus Rex exhibit this focus as
well. Humankinds inability to remain good and peaceful remains a struggle, human
characteristics such as weak minded, contribute to humans downfall. Although a tragedy usually
ends with death, critics would argue that the death element shall not take precedence over the
main theme of real life struggles. William Shakespeare, author of The Tragedy of Macbeth,
creates a kingdom contaminated with lies and murders. Shakespeares background as an English
poet and actor provides details that creates a theme of good and evil. Where humans receive a
seed of evil, the seed grows with the help of another human. In William Shakespeares The
Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare creates the theme of good and evil to symbolize Macbeths
masculine insecurities, making him vulnerable to Lady Macbeths plans to kill the king;
Ultimately, Macbeths ambition fueled by Lady Macbeth, leads to Macbeths guilt and murder.
Shakespeare uses Macbeths insecurities as fuel for Lady Macbeth by having her question
his manhood which causes Macbeth to seriously consider murder even though he respects King
Duncan.While Macbeth and Lady Macbeth start preparation for killing King Duncan, Macbeth
rethinks the idea due to his respect for King Duncan.Lady Macbeth states, And live a coward in
thine own esteem, / Letting I dare not wait upon I would, / Like the poor cat i th adage...
(1.7.47-49). This quote symbolizes the attacks from Lady Macbeth and the pressure that became
heavy on Macbeth. Shakespeare uses irony by showing Macbeth respects King Duncan, but finds

himself caught up with Lady Macbeths plans. Macbeth starts to think about the consequences of
failing to properly kill King Duncan and his men. Lady Macbeth strikes back with, But screw
your courage to the sticking place and well not fail (1.7.71-72). An inciting incident was
created when Lady Macbeth explained that, if Macbeth becomes more of a man, they will not
fail. Lady Macbeth applies more pressure to Macbeth causing Macbeth to go through with the
plan. Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth and explains why she could commit the murder and
how her characteristics are more masculine than Macbeth.Lady Macbeth takes a feminine
symbol and turns it into a violent act with, Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums /
and dashed his brains out (1.7.65-66). Lady Macbeth creates conflict by saying what she would
have done to contrast with Macbeths soft heart and respect for King Duncan. Shakespeare
includes this to emphasize the pressure that Lady Macbeth puts on Macbeth to commit the
murder even though Macbeth cringes at the thought.
To show his masculinity Macbeth carries out the plan to kill King Duncan and the guards
after his manhood has been continuously questioned. Guilt begins to weigh heavy on Macbeths
mind. Macbeth explains to Lady Macbeth the actions that occurring during the killing, Macbeth
feels even more guilty and disgusted with himself. Macbeth explains, I could not say Amen /
when they did say God bless us (2.2.39-40). Macbeths tone shows the terrible guilt he feels
for committing the murder. Ironically, Macbeth, once a good character shows signs of evil when
he plans to kill more people. After killing King Duncan and the guards, Macbeth panics and
instead of leaving the daggers Macbeth brings the bloody daggers to Lady Macbeth. Lady
Macbeth tries to comply with Macbeth to take the daggers back but Macbeth inflicts, Ill go no
more. / I am afraid to think what I have done (2.2.65-66). Macbeth not wanting to take the
daggers back down to the crime scene symbolizes guilt. Shakespeare incorporates the good of

Macbeth here to inform the reader that Macbeth will never act the same. When seeing banquos
ghost, Macbeth is filled with even more guilt than before, Macbeth feels that he can do no more
bad than what already has occurred. Macbeth states, I am in blood, / stepped in so far that,
should I wade no more (3.4.168-170). Shakespeare uses allusion to magnify how much guilt
Macbeth now feels for the murders. Ironically, Lady Macbeth also feels guilt and isolation
leading up to killing herself.
Thus, in William Shakespeares The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth proves Shakespeares
perspective that everyone contains a small portion of evil within them. He uses Lady Macbeth as
a peer pressure factor to support his theme that evil will grows as it is allowed to by the person.
Shakespeare symbolizes Lady Macbeth to juxtapose Macbeths pure mind with her decisive
mind and Macbeth's guilt after killing Duncan and his men. Macbeth learns that his crimes made
him a new person. When Macbeth recognizes his destruction, Shakespeare uses allusion that
illustrates Macbeths guilt. The Tragedy of Macbeth, more importantly exemplifies how the mind
can become manipulated. Therefore, the good and evil theme supports his determination of while
everyone contains a seed of evil inside them, once the mind becomes vulnerable, the evil grows
more.