Max Levkulich

Miss Skirtich
3 October 2017
English 12: World Literature

"Macbeth" Thesis Paper

Shakespeare exhibits the potential toxicity of relationships in "Macbeth" through the

characters of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and King Duncan. Through negative pressure
Lady Macbeth pressures Macbeth to ruin his relationships while Lady Macbeth ruins the
relationship with Macbeth in return. King Duncan’s over trust in relationships gives
room for toxicity.

Shakespeare exhibits the potential toxicity of relationships in "Macbeth" through the

character of Macbeth. “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done
quickly” (I.vii.1-2) In this quote we are able to see Macbeth’s decision on whether or not
to go through with murder being contemplated and he is giving in after being pressured
by his wife. “That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur. To prick the sides of my
intent, but only, Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself, And falls on th' other.”
(I.vii.24-26) Macbeth has no value on relationships showing his toxicity has no mercy
and making a toxic relationship between himself and Duncan. Because of relentless
chase for fortune Macbeth is ruined through his relationships and ruins other for having
a relationship with him.

Shakespeare exhibits the potential toxicity of relationships in "Macbeth" through the

character Lady Macbeth. “And that which rather thou dost fear to do,Than wishest
should be undone. Hie thee hither,That I may pour my spirits in thine ear And chastise
with the valor of my tongue, All that impedes thee from the golden round”(I.v.61-66)
Lady Macbeth has heard word about the prophecy for Macbeth and realizes that if
Macbeth gets the crown then she will be royalty as well. Because of this she wants to
talk Macbeth against his better judgment. “From this time, Such I account thy love.
Art thou afeard,To be the same in thine own act and valor, As thou art in desire?”
(I.vii.38-39) Lady Macbeth is peer pressuring Macbeth into completing the murder
and for this reason her relationship with Macbeth is proving to be toxic.

Shakespeare exhibits the potential toxicity of relationships in "Macbeth" through the

character of King Duncan. Duncan is exposed to the toxicity of relationships through his
trust in Macbeth, his trust is evident when he said, “Give me your hand. Conduct me to
mine host. We love him highly, And shall continue our graces towards him. By your
leave, hostess.” (I.vi.27-31) Duncan knows of these evils possibly when he stated
“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.” (I.vi.13-15) Duncan is saying him self
that sometimes the people we have closest to us can be the source of trouble but not
his beloved hostess Macbeth. Despite Duncan’s graciousness to Macbeth the evil
crime against him is still committed. For this reasons the toxicity of relationships
surrounding Duncan is obvious.

In conclusion for these examples it can be concluded that through the power of
relationships much of the evil in the play “Macbeth” comes from this source.
Whether from the potential risk of trust or the ability to create negative pressure,
Shakespeare successfully made relationships toxic.