As events close in on Macbeth, he seems almost to have lost his humanity. “I have almost forgot the taste of fears,” he states (9). Does his reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his soliloquy at 5.5.17 restore some of that humanity or confirm his utter loss of it? Use direct textual examples to support your opinion.
QUESTION
Write a (minimum) 250-word discussion post that responds to ONE of the following questions. Then, write a (minimum) 100-word response to one or more of your classmates.
Questions (CHOOSE ONE):
1. As events close in on Macbeth, he seems almost to have lost his humanity. “I have almost forgot the taste of fears,” he states (9). Does his reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his soliloquy at 5.5.17 restore some of that humanity or confirm his utter loss of it? Use direct textual examples to support your opinion.
2. Offer a comparative reading of the two performances of this soliloquy. Which aspects of the delivery are successful? Which are not? How does each version impact your understanding of Macbeth’s state of mind at this point in the play?
ANSWER
Macbeth’s Humanity: A Reflection on Loss and Restoration
Introduction
In Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, the character of Macbeth undergoes a profound transformation as he descends into darkness and commits heinous acts to secure and maintain his power. This essay will explore the question of whether Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5, restore some of his lost humanity or further confirm his utter loss of it. By examining direct textual examples, we can gain insight into Macbeth’s emotional state and reflect on the complexity of his character.
Body
Macbeth’s Reaction to Lady Macbeth’s Death
In Act 5, Scene 5, Macbeth receives the news of Lady Macbeth’s death. His response reveals a complex mix of emotions, suggesting a temporary restoration of his humanity. He remarks, “She should have died hereafter” (5.5.17), displaying a sense of regret and remorse over the loss of his wife. This indicates a glimmer of genuine emotion and the recognition of the finality of death.
Macbeth’s Soliloquy
In the same scene, Macbeth delivers a soliloquy that reveals his disillusionment and despair. He muses upon the fleeting nature of life, using vivid imagery and metaphors. Although this soliloquy showcases Macbeth’s despair and existential crisis, it does not necessarily restore his lost humanity. Instead, it highlights his detachment from moral values and his acceptance of his own impending doom.
Conclusion
While Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5, offer glimpses of his humanity, they ultimately serve to emphasize his moral decline rather than restore his lost humanity. The remorse he exhibits upon hearing about Lady Macbeth’s death is overshadowed by his continued pursuit of power and his acceptance of his tragic fate. Macbeth’s soliloquy serves as a window into his tormented state of mind, but it does not provide evidence of a genuine transformation or redemption. The play as a whole demonstrates Macbeth’s complete loss of humanity as he succumbs to his ambition and commits unspeakable acts.
Response to Classmate
I agree with your analysis that Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5, do not restore his lost humanity but rather confirm his utter loss of it. The remorse he displays upon hearing about Lady Macbeth’s death is fleeting and overshadowed by his relentless pursuit of power. It is evident that Macbeth’s moral decline has progressed to a point where he is no longer capable of experiencing genuine emotions or exhibiting empathy.
Additionally, his soliloquy in this scene emphasizes his detachment from moral values and his acceptance of the consequences of his actions. The vivid imagery and metaphors he uses reflect his nihilistic mindset and lack of remorse for the lives he has taken. This further solidifies the notion that Macbeth has become consumed by his ambition and is willing to sacrifice his humanity for power.
Overall, the play portrays Macbeth as a tragic figure whose actions and choices lead to his downfall. While there are moments that hint at a flicker of humanity within him, they are overshadowed by his continued descent into darkness. Macbeth’s character serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and the erosion of one’s humanity.
