Send us Fan Mail

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.

Support the show

Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Creativity.