Macbeth's Morality

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Macbeth does not become evil because he’s confused. He becomes evil because he learns to call evil “reasonable.”

Let me repeat that, because that’s the whole episode:

He starts using good logic for a bad purpose.
That’s how a smart person goes wrong.

Shakespeare makes Macbeth understandable on purpose. He shows you the self-talk.

We’re picking up right after the witches in Act 1 Scene 3. Macbeth has heard “king hereafter,” and now his mind is buzzing.

Then:

Act 1 Scene 4: Duncan names Malcolm heir. This is the moment Macbeth stops thinking “maybe” and starts thinking “how.”

Stars, hide your fires;
Let not light see my black and deep desires.
The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be
Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.

Act 1 Scene 5: Lady Macbeth reads Macbeth’s letter and decides to push him.

Only look up clear.
To alter favor ever is to fear.
Leave all the rest to me.

Act 1 Scene 6: Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle — and he’s gracious. That matters.

See, see our honored hostess!—
The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
How you shall bid God ’ild us for your pains
And thank us for your trouble.

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