Macbeth's Descent Into Evil Analysis

Macbeth is an agent of fate; he finds that he must pay a psychological price for the choices he makes, evident when he loses touch with reality and slowly plunges into delirium. While Macbeth is not a pawn of supernatural forces, or a pawn of fate, the prophecies told by the Weird Sisters intensify Macbeth's overwhelming ambition. Indeed, it is Macbeth that chooses to follow the tragic pattern and deal with aftermath of his actions. After Macbeth murders Duncan, his mental health deteriorates; as a consequence of committing evil deeds, Macbeth must sacrifice essentials aspects of his life. Macbeth confesses, "Still it cried "Sleep no more!" to all the house/"Glamis hath murdered sleep and therefore Cawdor/ Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall
Macbeth's innocence is destroyed and is followed by the destruction of his honor and loyalty. At this point he has treaded too deep in blood and cannot escape from the evil deeds he has committed. As a result, Banquo's murder illustrates how Macbeth descends into evil. Macbeth recalls the prophecies told by the Weird Sisters and rationalizes, "Upon my head they had placed a fruitless crown/ And put a barren scepter in my grip, Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand." (3.1.65-68) Later on, the guilt of murdering Banquo manifests into the formation of Banquo's ghost at a feast. Macbeth's guests cannot see Banquo's ghost, only Macbeth can see the ghost, emphasizing Macbeth's physiological demise; Macbeth's hallucinations are a clear indicator that his psychological health is declining as a result of his actions. Banquo's ghost serves the purpose of exposing Macbeth's guilt; ultimately, the guests at the feast can interpret Macbeth's guilt, and eventually rise up against Macbeth. Thus, Banquo's ghost serves the purpose of shedding light on how Macbeth's decisions to choose his own destiny directly correlate with Macbeth's descend to