Essay about Illusion vs. Reality in Macbeth - 1737 Words

Reality is the state of being real or actual, whereas an illusion is a mental misinterpretation of what is believed to be true. Illusions often prevent people from perceiving reality and objective truths, which consequently results in delusions, and in some cases, tragedies. In Macbeth, a play written by William Shakespeare, the theme of illusion versus reality is overtly evident in the main character, Macbeth. Macbeth frequently misinterprets illusions as the actual reality due to possessing such an untamed ambition, which ultimately ends up resulting in a series of tragic and horrific events, for Macbeth and his victims. Macbeth’s ambition first leads him into believing that he is destined to become King of Scotland, which results in†¦show more content†¦If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings.† (I, iii, 137-142). Macbeth subconsciously knows that he may have to kill Duncan in order to pursue the third prophecy, as it is Duncan who is presently king, and the only way for Macbeth to obtain Duncan’s title is if Duncan were to die and lose his title. In this scenario, Macbeth has thoughts of himself being the cause of Duncan’s death, in order to have Duncan’s title passed on to him. Macbeth is soon outraged to discover that Duncan has announced his son Malcolm as the future King of Scotland, Prince of Cumberland, as Malcolm now stands in his way of pursuing the actualization of the third prophecy. When Lady Macbeth receives news of the witches’ three prophecies and the fulfillment of the second prophecy, the enormity of her ambition to make Macbeth become King of Scotland leads her into plotting out the murder of Duncan. When Macbeth hears of Lady Macbeth’s plans to kill Duncan, he is at first unwilling to go through such horrific and drastic measures in ord er to obtain a royal title. Macbeth gives reasons during his soliloquy as to why he shouldn’t kill Duncan, and then says: â€Å"I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which oerleaps itself And falls on th other.† (I, vii, 25-28). Macbeth is sayingShow MoreRelatedIllusion Vs Reality : Macbeth By William Shakespeare930 Words   |  4 PagesAn illusion is a mental misinterpretation of what is believed to be true, while reality is the state of being actual. Illusion can prevent people from seeing the reality and in many cases, can cause horrible things to happen. People tend to live their lives based on false beliefs because of illusions. William Shakespeare demonstrates this theme of illusion vs. reality, and its many consequences, in his play Macbeth. 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