Giaan Nguyen

Nguyen 1

Macbeth
: The Nature of Man

In a world where the actions of man and their surroundings are relatively still unknown, history
has foreseen centuries of explanations for the nature of man, ranging from Socrates rationalist idea to
John Lockes tabula rasa, even eventually leading to the development of a whole new field of science
that studies the human mind and mental behaviors, known as psychology. Philosophers and
psychologists alike can only hold theories of their own that rationalize human nature as psychology has
only been furthered within the past century. Thus, the topic of human nature was and still remains open
for interpretation. In
Macbeth
, English playwright William Shakespeare entails a possible philosophical
perspective through the dialogue and conflicts of his characters: despite having the ability to rationalize,
men are susceptible to the temptations of the world.
By the introduction of the three witches within the first act, Shakespeare already establishes the
common superstition of the sixteenth-century: evil supernatural forces and fates are always tempting
people to succumb to immoralities. "The multiplying villainies of nature do swarm upon him" (I.ii.11-12).
Two characteristics of Macdonwald, traitor to the kingdom of Scotland, are emphasized: his
susceptibility to the evil spirits and the level of his intent. Macdonwald had fallen into the temptation of
rebellion deeply to the extent of succumbing to the evils that tempted him. A concept is then introduced:
men naturally are imperfectly vulnerable to temptation. This idea is later met when the Thane of Cawdor
"confessed his treasons... to throw away the dearest thing he owed" (I.iv.5-10). The thane, another
traitor to Scotland, has recognized his wrongdoings in placing himself above others, particularly the
monarchy, upon his last moments and died with dignity. The event demonstrates the morals of the
medieval times in loyalty and selflessness; because the former thane was not selfless in rebellion, he had

Nguyen 2

broken the social contract and bore immorality; being overambitious is a major temptress as the thane
wanted to climb the social ladder. Therefore, the play suggests that there are always the work of evils in
nature; eventually, men will fall to their predators as Macdonwald had done to the desire to overthrow
King Duncan.
Although men are vulnerable to temptation, humans have the ability to rationalize and think
about the long-term consequences. "I have bought golden opinions... not cast aside so soon"
(I.vii.32-35). Macbeth initially decides not to murder Duncan and instead appreciate his current
position. Even though there are evil forces in nature ready to corrupt their prey, men have the inherent
power of reasoning that separates themselves from animals. Humans can either choose to accept or
reject their sinful seducer. In his lapse of innocence, Macbeth chooses to ignore the murder plot,
justifying his decision in the gratitude he has for being praised already by the king and his citizens.
Therefore, humans have the willpower to ignore temptation at times.
What pulls humans into succumbing then? As defensive and purposeful as reasoning can be,
rationalization can equally be a corruptive weapon. "This my hand... one red" (II.ii.59-61) Macbeth's
profession of guilt alludes to two different biblical parables. First, Moses had dipped his staff into the
Nile River, which then turned to blood, as Pharaoh had refused to repent and follow the true God.
Second, Pontius Pilate, upon the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in refusing to recognize the savior, could not
wash away the blood on his hands. As Pharaoh and Pilate failed to recognize God in a higher position
than themselves, Macbeth has chosen to look at himself in the monarchical position. In ignoring the
existent social stratification, Macbeth has succumbed, exemplifying the simple human nature of relapsing
to overambitious selfishness. Shakespeare later would employ the line, "A falcon... hawked at and
killed" (II.iv.12-13). Provided as a metaphorical example in light of the possibility of witchcraft, the

Nguyen 3

situation serves as a parallel to the lower Macbeth unexpectedly killing King Duncan for power. A
recurring arc is then repeated and established: men are naturally ambitious in life, but being
power-hungry gives them more firepower in their reasoning to conform to their tempting vices.
Therefore, humans possess potential in corruption.
In disregard of temptation, men are good in nature. "Come, you spirits... wait on nature's
mischief" (I.v.37-47). Lady Macbeth's monologue details her wishes to be stripped of human qualities,
that of being guilty and caring. By taking away her "milk," she is asking the spirits to remove her
maternal right; in avoiding to become a mother, she also gets rid of her ability to be loving and
sympathetic. Therefore, she would have little capability to feel guilty as she would not have the kindness
to bar her initially. Through contrasts, humans are revealed to possess a natural right of compassion; it is
what notifies them of their wrongdoings in unrighteousness.
By repeated action of falling to the evils of temptation, the nature of that person is no longer
accounted as good. "But Macbeth is.... Yet grace must still look so" (IV.iii.18-24). Malcolm compares
Macbeth to Lucifer, "the brightest [that] fell." A biblical reference, Lucifer was an angel who wanted to
be God rather than obey him; as a result of the perversion of power, God banished him to reside in hell,
where he is more commonly known as the devil Satan. In context, something as purely good as an angel
can still become wicked. As Lucifer became the devilish beast, Macbeth is no longer accounted as
human. Drunk in power, Macbeth has the blood of many on his hands and is yet not remorseful, a key
element in wrongdoings.
Despite how sixteenth-century ideals may drastically be different from psychological and
modern-century perspectives, much of Shakespeares presented philosophies may still have an impact
on how humans should be wary. Undisturbed, humans always, at some level, have the ability to care

Nguyen 4

and be courteous. However, the playwright establishes that there are evil forces in the world that are
constantly tempting men into committing immoral doings. Despite this, men have a natural right of reason
they can utilize, either for good or for evil. Upon being tempted by overambitious self-indulgence, men
can either decide to accept or reject the immoral offer through reasoning. Therefore, reasoning can be a
purposeful tool and a corruptive weapon. No matter what, however, each human at some point will
succumb to the unjust pressure.