Question

In an essay, discuss the meaning of these lines for macbeth. why do you think shakespeare chose to portray macbeth as so conscience-stricken by his deed? how would the story be different if macbeth's actions caused him no moral suffering?

Answer 1

If Macbeth's conscience had caused him no moral suffering, then he would be an out-and-out villain, somewhat like Shakespeare's Richard III. However, Shakespeare wanted to make Macbeth a somewhat sympathetic figure so that his downfall would seem somewhat tragic