Macbeth's Indecisiveness

The tragedy of Macbeth is recognized by many to be Shakespeare’s exploration of the descent and eventual convulsive downfall of the human mind. Within the play, the extensive presentation of the protagonist —who speaks a third of the entire dialogue— allows for the reader to be exposed to the unquenched ambivalence of Macbeth’s personality. Macbeth’s aspiration to kinghood entrails within a path of destruction and treachery; this very idea of a medium of violence to obtain nobility is a conflicting notion in which Macbeth’s mind is torn between. He wishes a status and repute of a nobleman, present in his predecessor, Duncan; but simultaneously views the path to such nobility through a malevolent lens
Evil is a central theme in the tragedy, …show more content…
A prime example of the indecisiveness of Macbeth’s internal conflict is present in his soliloquy in which he addresses a hallucination of a dagger. This dagger is a symbol of the darkness present inside the mind of Macbeth, channelled through a figment of his imagination. In his apostrophe, Macbeth demonstrates hesitation, “I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.” (Shakespeare, Act II, Scene 1) He alludes to his idealization of the impending murder of his king, yet he is unsure as to whether he should proceed in this venture, by his mention of “I see thee still.” His vision of this dagger denotes his intent, subtly and even implicitly; his inner mind forewarns him of the fear and torment that would come of his action. After the acts of violence that he committed, he has a mental relapse as exemplified by his vision of the ghost of Banquo. In order to understand the root of Macbeth’s concurring periods of delusion, one must comprehend the psychology in this behavior; it is the mind’s personal function as a vehicle of regret. The very opening scene of the play shows Macbeth’s promise, when he was congratulated for having fought and having reigned victorious in a battle on the behalf of King Duncan. This introduction is in essence, an emphasization of the stark contrast of his descent into insanity; he is portrayed in valiant light, and epitomizes nobility through his loyalty to the crown. However, this view soon turns to darkness in his twisted persecution of personal

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