Exploring death in Macbeth

Essay by theman1313Junior High, 9th gradeA, April 2008

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What is death? Death is when one ceases to live/exist. In Shakespeare tragedy Macbeth, there are many forms of death. Including, but not limited to, the death loyalties, the death of family and the death of morals. Al the deaths in this tragedy Macbeth, is what makes Macbeth the adventure it is!In the beginning in Macbeth loyalties go unchecked. This is seen through the relationships of: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, Macbeth and Banquo, and Macbeth and Duncan. In the beginning of Macbeth the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is very strong, filled with trust, love and respect. The trust and love in the relationship is shown early in the play when Macbeth sends his wife a message informing her of the story of the witches. "This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee" (I.

v. 8-11. 37) the trust is shown by this letter being sent, and the love and respect is shown from Macbeth's words "my dearest partner of greatness" (I. v. 8. 37). Also more respect is shown when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are discussing the murder and Macbeth listens to her argument and respectively answers her "we will speak further"(I. vi. 67.39). According to a book of critics edited by William C. Carroll, the words "my dearest partner of greatness" (I. v. 8. 37) also has another meaning. "And to a great extent they are coequal in their crime" (Carroll 17). At the start of the play when discussing the murder Lady Macbeth was able to be a "Jewish mother" or in other words use guilt to make Macbeth commit Duncan's murder. She goaded him by telling him that he is a coward...