Macbeth LRJ #6

Aaron Fernandez

English 10IB

Ms. Peifer

March 4, 2009

1) Shakespeare asks the reader  is power and wealth, worth the morals and honor which one stands for.  Shakespeare asks the reader what consequences follow a man or woman after they have committed a wrong doing.  Macbeth starts off as a good person who follows what he believes to be right, and he know that murder is wrong.  He says, " Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?"(1.3. 141-143).  He is afraid of doing in wrong to anyone, and he doesn't want to gain power by killing.  Lady Macbeth is the woman who taunts Macbeth to tell him that he has to be a man, and do whatever he can in order to gain power.  She says, " And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,' Like the poor cat i' the adage?"(1.7. 46-48).  Shakespeare wants the reader to realize that a person has to follow what he or she thinks is right and not to merely be persuaded to do something just because he or she is to weak to speak against it. 

2) Shakespeare answers that consequences will always follow the actions of a person.  Whether is was good or bad, there will be an after consequence.  Macbeth lost his beloved wife, and his kingdom, and at the end his life.  He was so caught up in murder that he was unable to stop, and every time he was opposed he would strike again.  Macbeth could never tell the truth so he lived a life of fear, and despair, he became paranoid of everything because he was so worried that he would be caught in a foul act.  Macbeth was so afraid that he had his closest friend murdered in order to assure his crown, and to proceed on living in his own lie.  Macbeth says, "Our fears in Banquo Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature Reigns that which would fear'd"(3.1. 50-52).  Macbeth was afraid of everything he became paranoid, and he even though that his most beloved friend would betray him.  Macbeth becomes very hollow and emotionless at the end of the play.  He has murdered so much that he has lost the respect of all, and he has lost all of his dignity and morals.  He is honor less by the end of the play, and he himself explains that he now fearless, that emotions such as sadness, and fear do not strike him anymore, he says, "I have supp'd full with horros; Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts Cannot once start me"(5.5. 14-16).  Macbeth is saying that things that once horrified him to even think about now do not scare him, being all that he has been through.  Macbeth has become shameful.  Shakespeare sends the message that emotions are good, and that all have conscience which should be followed in order to be on the right path.  Shakespeare writes that once we commit a wrong and do not repent we die a little bit inside, and our soul becomes a hollow are.  That consequences will always follow the wrong doings, and the people who cause problems in others lives.  Shakespeare's message is to live a honorable, and gracious life, and to follow the conscience which everyone has.