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In Act II Scene IV of Macbeth, Macbeth's soul reaches a point beyond return. As soon as Macbeth had his first taste of blood earlier on in the play, he is beginning the process of completely destroying his soul. The more he kills the easier it becomes, and he seems to commit murders that are progressively becoming less and less necessary. He murdered king Duncan to become king, and he murdered the kings servants to try and cover up the murder. He then kills Banquo to ensure that his own children would become king. This murder however, was committed out of hatred. The son asks, "Was my father a traitor?" and Lady Macduff responds, "Ay, that he was." (Macbeth Act IV Scene II) When Macduff flees, his own wife refers to him as a traitor. This is demonstrating Lady Macduff's loyalty to the kingdom. Even though she is loyal, Macbeth kills her to humiliate and anger Macduff. This is the point where Macbeth's soul has gone to hell. He has killed loyal members of his kingdom, but without hesitation like the previous murders. This scene is of utmost importance when locating the point at which Macbeth's conscience is completely gone. Possibly the most important part of this scene is the fact that a child is murdered on stage. Children represent innocence and goodness. This child is helpless against the murderers sent to pillage Macduffs castle. Killing the child is closely related to Lady Macbeth's speech to Macbeth where she depicts herself dashing a baby's brains on the floor, after plucking him from her nipple. The baby represents Macbeths conscience, and killing the baby is symbolic for destroying his own conscience. In conclusion, when Macbeth kills Macduff's family in Act IV Scene II, his soul is officially corrupted, and his conscience is lost beyond return. |
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