Moral Dilemas in Shakespeare´s Macbeth Essay - 1042 Words

Shakespeare encompasses a large amount of modern day television, movies, and books. Authors draw influence from his majestic writings and directors rave about creating dramas that entrance and capture an audience’s attentions, as Shakespeare has with the masses. Why, however, has Shakespeare resonated in modern day society while other also affluent authors have faded into irrelevance? The answer ultimately lies in Shakespeare’s ability to write heart wrenching plays that center around moral dilemmas that the everyman experiences. The universality of Shakespeare’s work, in this case particularly Macbeth, stems from his portrayal of the common moral struggles humanity faces; how as a species the distinct, savage, and innate feelings humans†¦show more content†¦Macbeth curses â€Å"the curtained sleep† that â€Å"witchcraft celebrates† that brings about evil thoughts in his mind during his reflections. The prophecy of the witches obviously has already built a heavy toll on Macbeth’s life and the future in store for him. Macbeth suffers from the common id, ego, super-ego conflict (popularized in later literature by Sigmund Freud). Macbeth’s id or the impulsive side of his conscience, urges him to listen to his wife, to succumb to the â€Å"wicked dreams† of power fueled by his jealousy for the crown. His id is fueled by the innate savage instincts humans have, rarely governed by the normal rationality. However, he is counseled by his super-ego (the good-side of his conscience). The super-ego emphasizes rationality and internalized cultural values. In previous passages he was seen telling Lady Macbeth that the King was already kind enough to reward him with a new title after the war and that he should not pursue the plot anymore. Furthermore, after his reflections on evil and the prophecy the actual thought of murder literally crosses his mind. Macbeth states, â€Å"†¦ and withered murder, Alarumed by his sentinel, the wolf, whose howl’s his watch†¦ towards his design Moves like a ghost† (2.1.52-56). Macbeth’s resolve grows and he no longer doubts the irrationality of his actions. He is blinded by the â€Å"wicked dreams† he fears and imagines a personified murder (strangely as a â€Å"withered† old man) and his