In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” Macbeth kills the guards stationed to protect King Duncan after he has already murdered the king in his sleep. Macbeth does this in order to cover up his own involvement in the king’s death, framing the guards as the culprits. This act further solidifies Macbeth’s descent into tyranny and moral corruption as he becomes increasingly ruthless in his pursuit of power and the throne.
Macbeth’s decision to kill the guards demonstrates his growing desperation and willingness to commit any atrocity to protect his newly acquired position. As he states, “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself / And falls on th’ other.” His “vaulting ambition” has driven him to commit the unthinkable, and now he must continue down this path of violence and deception to conceal his crimes. Macduff’s reaction further highlights the gravity of the situation, as he cries out, “Confusion now hath made his masterpiece! / Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope / The Lord’s anointed temple, and stole thence / The life o’ th’ building.” Macbeth’s actions have shattered the natural order and betrayed the sacred trust placed in him as the king’s kinsman and host.
Relevant Passages:
Act ii, Scene iv
Macduff, Lennox, and Ross enter the chamber to find King Duncan murdered. Lady Macbeth and Banquo also enter, shocked and in disbelief. Macbeth enters and confesses to the murder, while Malcolm and Donalbain arrive to learn the news.
Act ii, Scene i
Macbeth ponders the consequences of assassinating Duncan and decides not to go through with it, citing his relationship with Duncan and Duncan’s good qualities as reasons. Lady Macbeth enters and tells Macbeth that Duncan has almost finished eating, prompting Macbeth to say they will not go through with the plan because he has gained a good reputation recently.
Act ii, Scene iv
Macduff wakes Macbeth and Lennox to tell them that King Duncan has been murdered in his sleep. They are shocked and go to see the evidence for themselves.
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