Topic > Macbeth and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder is a common psychological condition that is triggered by terrifying events. This disorder forces the inhibitor to have severe anxiety, flashbacks, and negative mood fluctuations. Similarly, in Shakespeare's Macbeth, there is clear evidence of how guilt, wickedness and atrocity can also cause symptoms similar to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, just as negative actions and instinctive weaknesses can cause brain degenerations . Macbeth's innate defects led to his ultimate mental deterioration. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Macbeth's troubled mentality and degradation of conscience allow him to imagine supernatural activity. Shortly before the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth vividly sees a floating dagger with its handle pointing towards him. Macbeth exclaims, “Is this a dagger that I see before me,” as he tries to grasp it, “The handle towards my hand? Come, let me take hold of you." (2.1.33-35) This short soliloquy demonstrates Macbeth's disordered and unbalanced mind. It also depicts Macbeth as a reluctant factor of fate, as he is no longer able to help himself in his state of disturbed mind.Another incidence of Macbeth's hallucinations is when he sees the ghost of Banquo. Frightened at the sight of the ghost, Macbeth cries out in fear: “Look there! does it matter to me? If you can nod, speak also shows in his mind.Banquo's ghost is essentially a symbol of accusation and guilt, as Banquo was murdered on Macbeth's orders However, in this scene Macbeth is the only individual who can see the ghost, which is another example of his nervous breakdown as he experiences supernatural hallucinations. To summarize the known idea, it is evident that Macbeth's unmistakable weaknesses are consuming his perception and ultimately leading to his mental degeneration, allowing his ego and ambition to grow. As Macbeth's consciousness decreases, his ambition and motivation increase. Soon after he gets away with the murder of King Duncan and is crowned the new King of Scotland, his ambition and murderous rampage begins again. This can be seen as Macbeth quickly orders Banquo's murder. “It's done. Banquo, the flight of your soul, if it will find heaven, will have to discover it tonight. (3.1.146-147) This gruesome statement illustrates the desired motivation for the deaths of Banquo and his son Fleance. Macbeth is afraid of Banquo, as he knows that Banquo's sons are heirs to the throne of Scotland. Furthermore, Banquo was present when the witches proclaimed their prophecies, meaning that Banquo always remains suspicious of Macbeth. As a result of these actions, Macbeth sees Banquo as a threat to himself and the future Scottish regime. Likewise, another persistent example of ambition is when Macbeth prepares to assassinate King Duncan. “He will blow the horrible deed into every eye, so the tears will drown the wind. I have no urge to prick the sides of my intent,” exclaims Macbeth as he builds his confidence, “but only a lofty ambition, that overtakes itself and falls upon the other.”(1.7.25-29) Macbeth is a cowardly and constantly contemplates his actions. In this case, he states that the only thing that motivates him is ambition and the gains of success. Likewise, ambition is seen as an important aspect ofhuman psychology. According to Abraham Maslow, doctor of psychology, “the most basic needs must be satisfied before subsequently higher needs can emerge.” This theory is clearly demonstrated when Macbeth kills King Duncan, to become king, then proceeds to kill anyone else who poses a threat. This, finally, is indisputableMacbeth acquires confidence and ambition. However, his ambition causes continuous negative psychological deterioration. In correlation, due to his brain dysfunction, he begins to lose faith in humanity. As Macbeth loses his compassionate traits and diminishes mentally; he also loses faith in humanity. The most obvious example of Macbeth's decreasing security in society is the murder of King Duncan. Well known as a prosperous and corruption-free man, King Duncan is seen as a great leader in Scotland. Indeed, Macbeth himself states: "Moreover, this Duncan bore his faculties so mildly, was so clear in his great office." (1.7.17-19) Macbeth forcefully exclaims his love for Duncan, and applauds him as a generous King, who does not abuse his powers. He recognizes that Duncan does not deserve to die, but is necessary to his ambition to become king. This clear exposition establishes the fact that Macbeth recognizes his wrong actions, however, due to the fact that he no longer has faith in humanity, he does not care about his immoral behavior. Another undeniable pattern of Macbeth's disoriented faith in humanity is when the fact that there is no meaning in life begins. “Life is but a walking shadow,” Macbeth wistfully acknowledges, “a poor actor who struts and frets his hour on the stage and then is heard no more.” (5.5.24-26) In this painful reference, Macbeth inevitably professes that life is but an illusion. His words are devoid of any emotion or meaning. It is evident that Macbeth ultimately recognizes the futile life he has achieved and his loss in terms of humanity. Furthermore, this mentality corresponds to BF Skinner's doctorate in social philosophy who created the theory on free will and negative consequences. He stated, “An individual's personality develops through external stimuli.” This demonstrates the clear analogy between Macbeth's exposures to foreign activities and how his personality was able to change and adapt to such negative aspects. In conclusion, it is evident that Macbeth's actions lead to his dismay towards humanity, and furthermore to his apathetic behavior towards Lady Macbeth. Macbeth's mental breakdown causes isolation between him and Lady Macbeth. After the bloodshed of King Duncan, Macbeth no longer seeks Lady Macbeth's encouragement and the two part ways. With each murder, Lady Macbeth goes mad and drowns in guilt, while Macbeth's ego grows to an indefinite end. While Macbeth is conversing with the doctor about his troubled wife, he says to the doctor, “Cure her of this. Canst thou not cure a diseased mind," while he is preparing his armor and preparing for battle, "wrest from memory a deep-rooted pain, shave away the written troubles of the brain, and with some sweet unsuspecting antidote cleanse the bosom stuffed with that dangerous stuff what weighs on the heart? (5.3.41-47) In this peculiar discussion, Macbeth pays no attention to what the doctor is revealing, and instead hastily suggests that he prescribe drugs to Lady Macbeth to make her forget her mind and obliterate her heart. Carelessly, even commands the doctor prepares for battle, being completely unaware of the fact that his wife is seriously ill. Similarly, when Lady Macbeth is announced dead, Macbeth shrugs, saying, “She should have died long ago..