In literature as well as in reality, one’s actions, thoughts, and beliefs are governed by their emotions. A mind in which a multitude of different sentiments are felt is an ideal way of thinking as it ensures that one retains a moral path. In fact, when one is besotted by a single emotion, or on the contrary, loses the ability to feel and recognize certain emotions–although the latter tends to occur as a result of the former–, he or she may be led to act without first reasoning the action. A lack of reasoned thought could potentially create significant problems in the future. Similarly, the repression of prominent emotions will harm rather than aid the mind. Shakespeare’s Macbeth entertains the notion that all emotions must be felt in moderation as a feeling felt too passionately, suppressed, or forgotten will result in negative consequences. This theme is predominantly portrayed through the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, although additional characters exhibit traits that further the concept.
In the play Macbeth, blinding ambition is the tragic flaw that plagues Macbeth and leads him to his demise. This is the most important feeling in the play as his intense desire for power prompts him to act irrationally, committing regicide against a king and setting himself up for disaster. Macbeth’s ambition is a very passionate feeling that overpowers his reason and moral code. Similarly, in the latter stages of the play, Macbeth becomes less reasonable when he is smitten by a feeling of overconfidence. This feeling was instilled by the witches’ second prophecy which seems to suggest that Macbeth is indestructible; however upon further consideration one can deduce many possible faults in this logic. For example, Macbeth becomes filled with confidence when the witches say, “Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him,” (Shakespeare 4.1.100-103). Macbeth deems this to be impossible so...