Examples Of Loss Of Innocence In Macbeth

“Fair is foul and foul is fair” (1.1.10). Written by one of the most poetic writers of the English language, Shakespeare foreshadows the future of the main character in his play, Macbeth. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth begins as an innocent and kind member of the Scottish army. He served as an honorable general under King Duncan, whose time on the throne would be short. Throughout the rest of the play, Macbeth decides to do certain things that question his innocence. In particular, the decisions he made that lead him to evil are choosing to listen to Lady Macbeth, killing Banquo and his son, and killing Macduff’s family. The first decision Macbeth made, and arguably the most significant since it begins the change, was the idea of listening to his wife Lady Macbeth. Previously, the three witches had given Macbeth certain prophecies that include Macbeth becoming king. To be exact, the witches state directly to Macbeth, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” (1.3.51). Macbeth accepts
At this point, Macbeth is so deep in his own perception that he will not stop at anything to live as King. Word of Macbeth’s new plan leaks out to a messenger who runs towards Fife to warn Macduff’s family. In fact, he can be quoted warning Lady Macduff, “I am not to you known / Though in your state of honor I am perfect / I doubt some danger does approach you nearly / If you will take a homely man’s advice / Be not found here; hence, with your little ones” (4.2.61-65). Soon after the murderers enter and assassinate the family as warned. The reason Macbeth advocated for such action was due to the fact that Macduff had essentially disrespected him. He did not show up to his ceremonial dinner, from there he also seemed suspicious of Macbeth under the throne. Therefore, Macbeth ended the potential threat to maximize his chances of remaining