Macbeth - isolation Flashcards
(3 cards)
1st paragraph - Macbeth common
Firstly, Macbeth’s isolation begins when he chooses his ruthless ambition over loyalty. The praise, “O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman” reveals how Macbeth righteously fought to protect his king and country. His heroism and moral integrity is emphasised as King Duncan considers him as family, therefore placing his trust in him. As his ambition is ignited by the witches, he adopts a false appearance of loyalty to Duncan while secretly plotting his murder. “Stars hide your fire, let not light see my black and deep desires” is an important metaphor to illustrate his deception because he acknowledges the betrayal associated with these thoughts yet attempts to hide them so he can maintain a façade of righteousness towards Duncan. In the Jacobean era, regicide was seen as a sin against God therefore by killing Duncan, Macbeth breaks the Divine Right of Kings, isolating him from society and God.
2nd paragraph - Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s deteriorating relationship
Macbeth’s growing guilt from the regicide led to him isolating himself emotionally, even from Lady Macbeth. At first their relationship appears strong - “my dearest partner of greatness” but guilt beings to divide them. Macbeth “murders sleep” whilst Lady Macbeth is plagued by the motif of bloody hands. This leads to Macbeth taking control and concealing his plans from Lady Macbeth through “be innocent of the knowledge.” This moment marks a shift in their relationship as he no longer shares power or truth with her and begins to distance himself, illustrating how guilt isolates them. Macbeth’s emotional detachment highlights how his ruthless ambition has ruined his kingship.
3rd paragraph - Macbeth’s final descent into chaos
Finally, Macbeth’s descent into tyranny results in total social isolation. As he becomes increasingly paranoid, he eliminates anyone who perceives him as a threat – including Banquo and Macduff’s family. By the final act, Macbeth is physically and psychologically alone stating “I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked.” insinuating he has lost all his allies. Shakespeare’s message through Macbeth’s downfall is to warn audiences of the immense cost of unchecked ambition, resulting in isolation. Macbeth has cut himself off from grace, society and even himself.
