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
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: Examining his Reaction to Lady Macbeth’s Death and Soliloquy
Introduction
In Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, the eponymous character undergoes a dramatic transformation, driven by his ambition and lust for power. As the events unfold, Macbeth appears to lose touch with his humanity. This essay delves into Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5, to explore whether these moments restore some of his humanity or confirm his complete loss of it. Through direct textual examples, we will analyze the impact of these scenes on Macbeth’s character.
Macbeth’s Reaction to Lady Macbeth’s Death
Upon receiving the news of Lady Macbeth’s death, Macbeth’s response reflects a complex mix of emotions. He utters the poignant line, “She should have died hereafter” (5.5.17), expressing a sense of resignation and apathy towards her passing. While this may suggest a momentary reconnection with his emotions, it is quickly overshadowed by his nihilistic perspective on life.
In Macbeth’s soliloquy in the same scene, he ponders the transitory nature of existence and describes life as a “tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing” (5.5.25-27). These lines convey a deep sense of despair and hopelessness, seemingly reinforcing Macbeth’s utter loss of humanity.
Direct Textual Examples
Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his subsequent soliloquy can be analyzed through direct textual examples:
Lady Macbeth’s Death: Macbeth’s initial response to Lady Macbeth’s death exhibits a fleeting glimpse of his humanity. The line, “She should have died hereafter,” suggests a sense of remorse and regret for the loss of his wife. However, his overall detachment from the gravity of her passing indicates a certain callousness and desensitization.
Soliloquy: Macbeth’s soliloquy reveals his profound disillusionment and detachment from moral values. The phrase “tale / Told by an idiot” signifies his belief that life is an absurd and meaningless narrative. This soliloquy solidifies the notion that Macbeth has fully surrendered to his ruthless ambition, disregarding human empathy and compassion.
Comparative Reading of Performances
A comparative reading of two performances of Macbeth’s soliloquy can shed light on how different interpretations impact our understanding of his state of mind:
In one version, the actor’s delivery successfully captures Macbeth’s despair and nihilistic worldview. The portrayal conveys a deep sense of resignation and emotional exhaustion, emphasizing the character’s utter loss of humanity. Through nuanced vocal inflections and facial expressions, the performance effectively conveys the weight of Macbeth’s guilt and the bleakness of his perspective.
In the other version, the actor’s delivery falls short in capturing the depths of Macbeth’s despair. The portrayal lacks intensity and fails to convey the emotional turmoil that should underscore Macbeth’s state of mind. Consequently, this interpretation weakens the impact of the soliloquy and diminishes our understanding of Macbeth’s psychological descent.
Conclusion
Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death and his soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5, provide insights into his humanity, or lack thereof, at this point in the play. While Macbeth briefly shows traces of remorse, his soliloquy reinforces his profound loss of humanity, as he succumbs to despair and nihilism. Comparative readings of performances of the soliloquy further highlight the importance of capturing the emotional depth and intensity of Macbeth’s state of mind. Through these scenes, Shakespeare masterfully depicts Macbeth’s tragic descent into darkness and the consequences of unchecked ambition on human nature.
