In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Macbeth contemplates murdering his king and friend, Duncan. Not long after a vicious battle, Macbeth receives a prophecy from three witches and he is told that he will assume the throne. Their prediction encourages Macbeth to act upon is secret desire to obtain the throne, as does his insistent wife, Lady Macbeth. Macbeth must make a choice to pursue his desires but his thoughts revolve around the consequences of committing the crime. Clearly, throughout his soliloquy, Macbeth uses g metaphors and euphemisms as he shifts between considering the consequences of killing King Duncan to uncertainty, to resolving that he cannot kill his friend.Macbeth understands t ...view middle of the document...
Duncan is a popular king among the people and Macbeth disputes that killing him will "teach bloody instructions," that will "return to plague" him. Macbeth desires kingship and intends to kill Duncan, but if others who desire the throne learn of the assassination, they may be prompted to kill Macbeth because of the example he leads.After considering the many consequences of killing his dear king to assume the throne, Macbeth becomes uncertain as to whether he should carry out his deadly plan and his soliloquy exposes such feelings. Macbeth reasons upon himself that King Duncan is "here in double trust," and he begins his fit of uncertainty as he becomes aware of the duplicity of his proposed murder. Macbeth cannot simply kill Duncan without realizing his ultimate betrayal. He refers to the "ingredience of [his] poison'd chalice" which contains his reasons for his prospective murder. This sacred cup that Macbeth tarnishes is meant to bring his friendship closer, instead he uses it for his selfish desires of kingship. Slowly, Macbeth begins to shift his reasoning, no longer is he contemplating the consequences for murdering King Duncan, yet his uncertainty remains. Macbeth firmly reminds himself that he is Duncan's "subject," and "kinsman." Macbeth states his personal relationship with Duncan, their closeness and Duncan's complete trust is the cause for his hesitation. Though he has not convinced himself to spare Duncan's life, both relationships are compelling reasons why he believes he should not carry out the "deed." And even with his thorough reasoning, Macbeth still cannot bring himself to name his sin and call it murder, subconsciously knowing that it is immoral. Before this plot to kill Duncan, Macbeth invites Duncan into his home, "as his host," Macbeth should not "bear the knife" himself. Macbeth reasons but another relationship that causes him to vacillate between killing Duncan and renouncing his deadly ambition. Being his host, Macbeth feels that he should protect Duncan from any harm, not try to kill Duncan himself.Macbeth is soon subdued by his own guilt and convictions and he becomes certain that he cannot k...