Macbeth Truth and Idealism Essay - 1038 Words

What could drive a sane human being to do something radical for seemingly no reason, or push someone to alter their behavior with lack of notice or evident explanation? The answer comes from within the individual’s mind; more specifically, it derives from a plague of overconfidence rooted in a person’s brain by ideals they have let consume their reason. This is very common in people who cannot achieve a solid grasp on truths in any given matter. Macbeth in the play, Macbeth, is the embodiment of this very point. He put complete trust in the witches’ premonitions and blindly acted upon them which ultimately led to his downfall and humiliation. Putting too much faith into ideals and losing sight of reality can lead to overconfidence. If a person builds up an overabundance of confidence they can become arrogant and foolish. This arrogance can blind them from the reality that is present right in front of them. Once Macbeth becomes king he is struck down with this affliction. We witness Macbeth’s arrogance take over when he is in a confrontation with the witches and foolishly states that â€Å"[He] will be satisfied: deny [him] this, and an eternal curse falls on you† (IV.ii.103-105). This statement is painfully ironic and it is pathetic to see how a once intelligent warrior has morphed into a cocky imbecile. It is remarkable how audacious Macbeth has become simply by disregarding logic and becoming too confident in his ideals. If he didn’t get in over his head and used, at the veryShow MoreRelatedBasics of Studying Literature3647 Words   |  15 Pagesreal or imaginary, with whom it deals? If it properly accomplishes this main purpose, when the reader finishes it he should feel that his under standing of life and of people has been increased and broadened. But it should always be remembered that truth is quite as much a matter of general spirit and impression as of literal accuracy in details of fact. The essential question is not, Is the presentation of life and character perfect in a photographic fashion? but Does it convey the underlying realitiesRead MoreAmerican Literature11652 Words   |  47 Pagessupport instructive in values American Renaissance/Romanticism period of American Literature - 18001855 Content: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · writing that can be interpreted 2 ways, on the surface for common folk or in depth for philosophical readers sense of idealism focus on the individual s inner feelings emphasis on the imagination over reason and intuition over facts urbanization versus nostalgia for nature burden of the Puritan past Genre/Style: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · literary tale character sketch slave narratives