corruption of nature Flashcards
overview
In Macbeth, the corruption of nature reflects the chaos caused by Macbeth’s actions. After Duncan’s murder, strange events occur in nature, like horses eating each other, showing that the natural world is disturbed. This symbolizes how Macbeth’s ambition disrupts the natural order, and as he becomes more corrupt, the world around him falls into chaos.
“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires”
In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the corruption of nature as a powerful symbol to highlight the consequences of moral decay. One key example is when Macbeth says, “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Act 1, Scene 4). Here, Macbeth is appealing to the stars—symbols of light, purity, and fate—asking them to hide his dark intentions. The phrase “black and deep” reinforces the idea that his desires are not only evil but also complex and concealed. Macbeth’s internal conflict is evident here: he is aware that his ambition is unnatural and wrong, but he is determined to act on it anyway. His wish to hide his desires from the “light” suggests that he fears exposure and the consequences of his actions, yet he feels compelled to follow through with them, showing how the corruption of his mind affects his perception of the world around him. This is a key moment in the play, as it foreshadows how Macbeth will increasingly distance himself from what is natural, ultimately spiraling into guilt and madness.
“Unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty!
Another significant example occurs when Lady Macbeth declares, “Unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty!” (Act 1, Scene 5). Lady Macbeth’s plea to “unsex” herself reveals how she believes femininity is a barrier to the ruthless action she feels is necessary to seize power. At the time, women were seen as gentle and nurturing, but Lady Macbeth rejects these qualities, seeking to replace them with cruelty and malice. The phrase “fill me from the crown to the toe” suggests she wants to be consumed completely by evil, emphasizing the depth of her desire to embrace something unnatural. By rejecting her natural gender role, Lady Macbeth tries to assume a more dominant, violent persona, which connects to the broader theme of the corrupting influence of power and ambition. She believes that by stepping outside her natural role, she can control fate and reshape the world around her to her will. This corrupts the natural order of things and sets her on a path of destruction.
“By the clock ‘tis day, / And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp.” (Act 2, Scene 4)
“By the clock ‘tis day, / And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp.” (Act 2, Scene 4)
In this quote, Ross comments on the strange, unnatural darkness that has overtaken the day after King Duncan’s murder. The “traveling lamp” is a metaphor for the sun, which moves across the sky, bringing light during the day. The image of “dark night strangling” the sun suggests that the natural order is being disturbed—night is taking over when it should be day. This line reflects how Macbeth’s actions have thrown off the balance of nature, as if the world itself is responding to the evil he has committed. The personification of night “strangling” the sun emphasizes the unnaturalness of the situation, showing that Macbeth’s ambition and murder have caused a violent shift in the natural world. The darkness that takes over during the day symbolizes the moral darkness that Macbeth is now embracing, as his rise to power is built on corruption. This unnatural event highlights how Macbeth’s evil has not only affected human relationships but has also corrupted the very fabric of nature itself, causing the sun to “strangle” under the weight of the darkness.
“Earth has bubbles, as the water has, / And these are of them. Where did you go?” (Act 3, Scene 4
“Earth has bubbles, as the water has, / And these are of them. Where did you go?” (Act 3, Scene 4)
In this quote, Macbeth speaks after seeing Banquo’s ghost at the banquet. The phrase “Earth has bubbles, as the water has” is a metaphor where Macbeth compares the strange, ghostly appearances to bubbles in water. Just as bubbles are fleeting and unnatural, so too are the disturbing events happening around Macbeth. His guilt is becoming more overwhelming, and it’s as if the natural world has become a reflection of his mental state—full of things that shouldn’t exist, like the ghost of Banquo. This moment highlights how Macbeth’s ambition and the murder of King Duncan have disrupted the natural order of the world. The earth itself, once steady and predictable, is now chaotic, filled with unnatural “bubbles”—a symbol of the unnatural consequences of his actions. Macbeth’s question, “Where did you go?” also shows his disorientation and fear, suggesting he’s no longer able to trust his senses, further illustrating the distortion of the natural world caused by his corruption.
“And the moon, the stars, and the elements,
All things are in the process of decaying
In this quote, Macbeth uses imagery to describe how everything in nature seems to be falling apart. By mentioning “the moon, the stars, and the elements,” he’s referencing natural symbols that are usually constant and reliable. However, the phrase “in the process of decaying” uses a metaphor to suggest that even the most enduring elements of nature are deteriorating. This reflects the theme of the “corruption of nature” because it shows how Macbeth’s actions have disturbed the natural order. The adjective “decaying” also suggests a slow, irreversible process, highlighting how Macbeth’s evil deeds have led to moral and physical disintegration, both in nature and in himself. The use of “decaying” and “process” emphasizes the idea of decline, showing that once something is corrupted, it is difficult to restore. Through this imagery and metaphor, Shakespeare shows how Macbeth’s ambition and violence have caused the breakdown of the world around him, signaling the loss of order and balance in both the kingdom and nature itself.
I have almost forgotten the taste of fear; nothing can startle me anymore,” Macbeth reveals how he has become nu
In the line, “I have almost forgotten the taste of fear; nothing can startle me anymore,” Macbeth reveals how he has become numb to fear and horror after committing so many violent acts. The phrase “forgotten the taste of fear” is a metaphor, suggesting that fear, a natural and instinctive emotion, no longer has any effect on him. This reflects how Macbeth has lost his ability to respond to the natural human reaction of fear, which should be a sign of guilt or conscience. His lack of fear shows how deeply he has been corrupted by his actions, and this links to the theme of the “corruption of nature.” Macbeth’s emotional numbness symbolizes how he has lost his connection to his own humanity, and by doing so, he has also disrupted the natural balance of the world around him. His actions have turned him into someone who no longer reacts to the consequences of his evil deeds, showing the deep corruption both in his soul and in the natural world.
conclusion
In Macbeth, the corruption of nature reflects the chaos and destruction caused by Macbeth’s actions. After he murders King Duncan, unnatural events start happening, like horses eating each other and the day turning dark. These disturbances show that the natural world is upset by Macbeth’s rise to power. The witches also play a big role in this corruption, as their prophecies lead Macbeth to make more evil choices. Overall, the play shows how Macbeth’s ambition and guilt disrupt the natural order, leading to his downfall and the destruction of both his world and the world around him.
