Shakespeares Macbeth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Shakespeares Macbeth - Essay Example The necessity of keeping social and economic order often restrains stronger ambition for power. Macbeth is destined - through the prophecy of the witches - to become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King. However, Macbeth's conscience makes the distinction that, by achieving this, he will have broken the social order. This dilemma will eventually compel him to extreme deeds in the acquisition of his desire. Lady Macbeth recognizes her husband's elevation in position and prestige and has no doubt that he will fulfill the witches prophecy with a little help from herself. As she says after reading her husband's letter, " yet do I fear thy nature; / It is too full o' the milk of human kindness / To catch the nearest way" (1.5.360-362). Lady Macbeth has launched into an analysis of Macbeth's character - how he might restrain his ambition out of loyalty to his King rather than seek the most direct route to the throne. Macbeth lacks the internal strength and deviousness a powerful man must ha ve in order to rise to king. His desire is infinite, his ambition excessive, yet his respect for social structure prevents him from committing to the murder of the king. In accusing him of being "too full o' the milk of human kindness," Lady Macbeth is observing a timidity that un-weaned from the hand that raised him - he is not man enough to act aggressively.