Macbeth - Guilt And Conscience Flashcards
How does Shakespeare present guilt and conscience in Macbeth
Shakespeare presents guilt as a relentless force that torments those who betray morality. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth initially believe they can suppress their conscience, but guilt haunts them both, leading to hallucinations, paranoia, and madness.
Through Macbeth’s gradual loss of control and Lady Macbeth’s downward spiral, Shakespeare shows that guilt is inescapable and psychologically destructive.
How does Macbeth first react to guilt?
Macbeth feels immediate guilt after killing Duncan, showing that his conscience is still strong—he is not yet completely ruthless.
Fill in the blanks: “Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘______ no more! Macbeth does murder ______!’”
“Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep!’” (Act 2, Scene 2)
“Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep!’” (Act 2, Scene 2) How does this quote show Macbeth’s guilt?
• The metaphor of “murdering sleep” suggests Macbeth has destroyed peace and innocence, as sleep represents rest and a clear conscience.
• The imaginary voice symbolises his internal guilt, showing that he is haunted immediately after the crime.
• The exclamatory tone (“Sleep no more!”) highlights his paranoia and descent into madness.
“Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep!’” (Act 2, Scene 2) - link to society and alternative
• In Christian belief, murder was a damnation-worthy sin—Macbeth’s guilt reflects his fear of divine punishment.
• The audience would see sleeplessness as a curse, reinforcing the idea that Macbeth is doomed by his crime.
Alternative interpretation:
• This could foreshadow Lady Macbeth’s insomnia and madness, linking their fates through shared guilt.
How does Lady Macbeth react to guilt at first?
Unlike Macbeth, Lady Macbeth suppresses her guilt at first, dismissing it as a weakness—but this repression later leads to her downfall.
Fill in the blanks: “A little ______ clears us of this ______.”
“A little water clears us of this deed.” (Act 2, Scene 2)
“A little water clears us of this deed.” (Act 2, Scene 2) How does this quote show Lady Macbeth’s early attitude towards guilt?
• The word “little” trivialises the crime, showing that she believes guilt is easy to wash away.
• The contrast between “blood” and “water” suggests she sees guilt as a physical stain rather than a psychological burden.
• The imperative “clears us” suggests confidence, yet this contrasts with her later breakdown, proving that guilt cannot be ignored.
“A little water clears us of this deed.” (Act 2, Scene 2) link to society
• In Christian doctrine, water is linked to baptism and purification—but Macbeth and Lady Macbeth cannot truly cleanse themselves of their sin.
• The audience would recognise this as dramatic irony, as Lady Macbeth later obsesses over washing her hands, proving that guilt consumes her too.
“A little water clears us of this deed.” (Act 2, Scene 2) alternative interpretation
This could reflect Lady Macbeth’s self-deception—she underestimates the psychological effects of murder, believing she can remain unaffected.
How does guilt manifest as hallucinations?
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s guilt physically manifests in visions and hallucinations, showing its inescapable power.
Fill in the blanks: “Is this a ______ I see before me, the ______ toward my hand?”
“Is this a dagger I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 1)
“Is this a dagger I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 1) How does this quote show Macbeth’s guilt before the murder?
• The questioning tone suggests uncertainty, reflecting his internal conflict between ambition and conscience.
• The dagger’s appearance before the murder shows that guilt exists even before the crime is committed—it is not just a consequence but an inevitability.
• The symbolism of the dagger links to violence and treachery, foreshadowing how guilt will later consume Macbeth’s mind.
“Is this a dagger I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 1) link to society
Supernatural beliefs in Shakespeare’s time suggested that guilt could manifest in visions, making this hallucination a sign of Macbeth’s moral corruption.
“Is this a dagger I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 1) alternative interpretation
The dagger may be a manifestation of fate, guiding him towards the murder—but whether it is fate or his own mind remains ambiguous.
How does Lady Macbeth’s guilt eventually consume her?
Lady Macbeth, who once dismissed guilt, is later tormented by it, showing that repression leads to psychological collapse.
“Out, ______ spot! Out, I ______!”
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1)
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1) How does this quote show Lady Macbeth’s downfall?
• The repetition of “out” shows her desperation—she is no longer in control of her guilt.
• The word “damned” links to eternal punishment, suggesting she believes she is condemned to hell.
• The contrast between her early confidence and this breakdown shows that guilt cannot be avoided—it always resurfaces.
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1) link to society
• In Shakespeare’s time, people believed in divine justice—Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness would be seen as a punishment for her sins.
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1) alternative interpretation
• The spot may be imaginary, but her guilt is very real, showing that the mind suffers consequences even if the body does not.
How does guilt ultimately destroy both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth? (Conclusion)
Shakespeare shows that guilt is unavoidable and psychologically destructive. Macbeth’s paranoia and hallucinations lead him to more violence, while Lady Macbeth’s suppressed guilt resurfaces, driving her to madness and suicide. Their tragic fates prove that moral corruption cannot be ignored—it will always return to haunt those who embrace it.
