About this episode
Send a textMacbeth does not become evil because he’s confused. He becomes evil because he learns to call evil “reasonable.”Let me repeat that, because that’s the whole episode:He starts using good logic for a bad purpose.That’s how a smart person goes wrong.Shakespeare makes Macbeth understandable on purpose. He shows you the self-talk.We’re picking up right after the witches in Act 1 Scene 3. Macbeth has heard “king hereafter,” and now his mind is buzzing.Then:Act 1 Scene 4: Duncan names Malcolm heir. This is the moment Macbeth stops thinking “maybe” and starts thinking “how.”Stars, hide your fires;Let not light see my black and deep desires.The eye wink at the hand, yet let that beWhich the eye fears, when it is done, to see.Act 1 Scene 5: Lady Macbeth reads Macbeth’s letter and decides to push him.Only look up clear.To alter favor ever is to fear.Leave all the rest to me.Act 1 Scene 6: Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle — and he’s gracious. That matters. See, see our honored hostess!—The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach youHow you shall bid God ’ild us for your painsAnd thank us for your trouble.Support the showThank you for experiencing Celebrate Creativity.
