Examples Of Temptation In Macbeth

The Process of Elimination Temptation

The darkest, most fickle and most destructive aspect of the human psyche is temptation. As the instigator of evil, it inveigles the mind into fulfilling its deepest desires while paying no heed to the longstanding consequences. It provokes lying, hurting and killing, all of which we observe Macbeth executing in William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. By further analysing the actions and motives of Macbeth, I questioned the most devious human aspect. To learn more about its nature, I asked: How does temptation play out in the mind? It simmers down to three steps. First, a deeply seeded, desperate desire. Second, the realization that the desire can be fulfilled (although in way which opens further strife). Third, a constant

Meaning, the solution will satisfy short-lived urges, but will cause trife and grief in the grand scheme. In Macbeth’s case, he says to himself, “Murder would be the be-all and end-all of the whole affair.” [I,vii] He knows he can usurp Duncan’s throne if he kills him (satisfying his impulse) , but it will also result in his own death as it invites Macduff to come after him as an avenger (trife and grief). We see this theme appear once more in another famous Shakespearean story: Hamlet. In this tale, The King of Denmark is murdered by his brother, Claudius. Hamlet, the king’s son, soon discovers this and vows to kill the murderer. At first, this seems like a case of revenge, but look deeper. What is revenge but a primordial form of temptation? Hamlet wanted to see Claudius pay for his crime, but temptation enticed him to escalate the situation and kill him instead. It was the worst solution to his problem since he made many enemies and eventually was murdered himself. Temptation truly is the best way to find the worst way to gain that which you