Blind Violence and Desire in Macbeth Essay - 802 Words

In Macbeth desire and violence are prevalent throughout the book. Desire blinds one’s ability to think clearly when making a decision. If violence is used due to one’s desire than violence becomes a never ending cycle until the outcome of the violence goes against the one whose desire led to violence. When making a decision, one should use reason, which is having a logical justification or motive. Violence is committed many times in the book but not all for the same motive. Macbeth commits several acts of violence in the book due to his desire for the kingship of Scotland. Macbeth starts to desire the kingship of Scotland after the three witches tell him of the future. The witches tell Macbeth he will become the king of Scotland, but†¦show more content†¦Macbeth’s desire leads him to murder Duncan in his sleep. Macbeth has committed violence, with desire as its cause, which has put him in a situation where there is no turning back because he has already committed one act of violence. The one act will lead to more. With the repeating effect of violence and an inability to see clearly because of desire, Macbeth is on a path to trouble. Macbeth is blinded from logical reasoning after his first act of violence. His desire to keep his kingship that he has gained from killing Duncan leads him to see Banquo as a threat to his throne: When first they put the name of king upon me And bade them speak to him. Then, prophet-like, They hailed him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren scepter in my grip. (3.1.63-67) Macbeth fears Banquo’s descendents will take his kingship. He thinks that Banquo should be murdered to stop it from happening, â€Å"And though I could / With barefaced power sweep him from my sight / And bid my will avouch it† (3.1.134-136). In the quote, Macbeth is says that he would kill Banquo and offer his desire for Banquo’s death as sufficient justification for killing him (Shakespeare 88). Macbeth does not murder Banquo but cons murderers into committing the violence. Macbeth is not thinking clearly though because he would know that violence only breeds more violence. The murderers kill Banquo and further continue theShow MoreRelatedThe Theme Of Ambition In Macbeth And Enders Game880 Words   |  4 Pagesin human nature is so powerful that it can blind one’s vision of achieving success. Both Lady Macbeth’s ambition from Shakespeare’s MacBeth and Peter’s ambition from Card’s Ender’s Game blinds judgement and logic , and they eventually end up more harming than succeeding. In the play MacBeth by Shakespeare, MacBeth is strangely met by three witches, who declares his prophecy of being king, but later losing the crown. Lady MacBeth ambitious goal for MacBeth remain king results in her going to extremeRead MoreMacbeth and Its Relevance in Todays Society947 Words   |  4 Pagesthat are still relevant today. Macbeth is no exception†. 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