Paper Summary:

This paper examines how insanity is a predominant element in William Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth". It discusses how insanity, or madness, is represented on three different levels through Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff, and how each character illustrates varying degrees of insanity and the possible solutions for dealing with it. It looks at how Shakespeare uses insanity in the play to heighten tension, as well as to convey a dark and sinister mood, and how, by gradually leading up to the insanity of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, we are able to witness its devastating effects. It examines how insanity develops in the play and serves as a dramatic function to reinforce the theme of "evil begets evil".

From the Paper:

"Lady Macbeth begins to exhibit signs of madness with her strange trances. Her insanity is more significant than Macbeth's insanity because of her state of mind in the beginning of the play. By making Lady Macbeth's character despicable, her madness seems more fitting. In other words, she gets what she deserves. This is not to make light of Macbeth's actions, for he certainly deserves what he has coming to him as well. However, with Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare is more able to reinforce the theme that evil begets evil. Shakespeare delivers this message with unforgettable irony."

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