Guilt Essay Plan

Question 1

Point 1 + quotations for guilt:

Answer 1

Shakespeare firstly portrays the theme of guilt through Macbeth who displays fear and reluctance at the thought of murdering Duncan consequently committing regicide.

• “Stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires.”
• “If we should fail?”

Question 2

Point 2 + quotations for guilt:

Answer 2

Guilt is also explored by the introduction of the motif of sleep and the symbolism it carries of Macbeth’s guilt.

• “Sleep no more! Macbeth doth murder sleep.”
• “Hence horrible shadow/Unreal mockery hence.”

Question 3

Point 3 + quotations for guilt:

Answer 3

Lady Macbeth is the only other character to be associated with guilt strongly, although her initial distinction from the emotion makes her relationship with guilt all the more complex.

• “My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white.”
• “What’s done is done.”

Question 4

Point 4 + quotations fo guilt:

Answer 4

The final act of the play clearly demonstrates how LM’s ignorance and dismissal of guilt destroyed her both mentally and physically while Macbeths acknowledgement of guilt has enabled him to die a warriors death.

• “Out, damned spot, I say out!”
• “Here’s the smell of blood still.”
• “What’s done cannot be undone.”
• “Yet I will try the last. Before my body, I throw my warlike shield.”