Blog Post #6: Macbeth's Fall of Grace

1. Why do people who are not "evil" take the first step into evil? What, for instance, is involved in taking that first step "down the primrose path to the everlasting bonfire" (Macbeth, 2.3)? What are the consequences of the individual choosing evil (particularly the internal consequences)? Use examples from the text to support your opinion.


Evil stems from internal desires and external circumstances just stir those desires up. Evil is within everyone and everyone has desires that are not acceptable in society; in the case of Macbeth, being completely selfish and wanting the throne for himself. Acting on those aspirations is what draws the line between a person's "id" and "superego". That's when the external circumstances kick in, and in the right situation, that person can just decide to let the "id" take over and let evil dominate his/her mind. In Macbeth's position, after hearing such a fulfilling and promising prophecy: "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Glamis! ... thane of Cawdor! ... that shalt be king hereafter!" (Act 1, Scene 3), Macbeth realizes that it is plausible to become king. After all, these suspicious bearded ladies just said that the throne would ultimately be his, so why not? The uncertainty behind the witches and the prospect of achieving greatness is so appealing to Macbeth that his "id" of wanting more takes over and shows through his "superego". The audience does not see his evil at first, because he says "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir." (Act 1, Scene 3). However, the motivation he receives from the supernatural takes root and causes him to develop a cruel plan that ultimately ruins him.


By choosing evil, an individual is ultimately dooming themselves to receive negativity in all aspects of their lives. Throughout the course of time in history and literature, the individual who chooses evil is conquered by the amazing heroic figure. In Macbeth's case, the situation is even worse. Regicide and homicide in general are not considered honorable, coming from a esteemed warrior and thane. However, Macbeth uses the prophecy and the inevitable nature of it to justify his impious actions. In Act 1, Scene 2, a captain details a battle where Macbeth was present:"For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name— Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valor’s minion carved out his passage". Macbeth started off as a honorable warrior who valued loyalty and honor. However, when he chooses evil, he loses this nature and his transition to darkness is even more drastic because of how honorable he used to be.