24th October 2018

Practice Exam

Conflict, both internal and external in Macbeth helps the audience understand the struggles Macbeth suffered throughout the story. 

I am in blood
Stepp’d in so far, that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er.”

–Macbeth, Act III, scene iv 

This quote is stated immediately after Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo who shames Macbeth bringing criminality to Macbeth, pushing him deeper into guilt. Even though there are lots of other guests watching him, Macbeth cannot resist himself from acting crazily, which shows that his criminality cannot be hidden.   Macbeth realizes that he had changed so much due to the influence of Lady Macbeth. He had turned himself into a murderer from a brave and courageous man. He cannot believe that he had actually committed such a crime just to become a king. Seemingly, he regrets what he had done and wants to go back in time, but he is already stuck in abashment and guilt and contrition. This quote clearly shows Macbeth’s hope to go back in time when he had committed nothing that would go against his conscience, but he already “stepped in so far” that he cannot get away anymore. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Category

Writing