Paranoia in Macbeth
paranoia- a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically elaborated into an organized system
Paranoia
Time
Act 1, Scene 7
“If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well
It were done quickly. If th’ assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success, that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all - here.
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We’d jump the life to come.”
(Lines 1-7)
Once Macbeth has resolved himself to in fact kill King Duncan, he seems rather confident in his actions, as evidenced by the excerpt above. While apprehensive, he has no fear as to the execution of his plan, or the consequences. He’s essentially saying that he just wants to get it over with, and then just move on with his life. He shows no signs of paranoia. In fact, he seems to believe that he and his wife can simply avoid all consequences and settle in comfortably to their royal positions. Macbeth is, without a doubt, nervous, but is not yet overcome with paranoia.
Act 2, Scene 2
“Methought I heard a voice cry “Sleep no more,
Macbeth does murder sleep” - the innocent sleep,
Sleep that knits up the raveled sleeve of care,
…
Still it cried, “Sleep no more,” to all the house,
“Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more.”
As soon as Macbeth commits his first murder, his paranoia sets in. Minutes after he kills Duncan, he imagines voices, condemning him for his crime. He quickly believes that everyone knows what he’s done. He is certainly experiencing “delusions of persecution,” believing that the source of the cries means to punish him. He feels threatened, and will therefore act out defensively.
Act 3, Scene 1
“To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.
Our fears in Banqou stick deep,
And his royalty of nature reigns that
Which would be feared. ‘Tis much he dare,
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear and, under him,
My genius is rebuked, as it said
Mark Antony’s was by Caesar.”
(Lines 49-58)
Here, Macbeth’s paranoia increases. As opposed to simply hearing voices as he was before, Macbeth now feels threatened enough to be compelled to hire assassins to murder his friend and companion. Macbeth believes Banquo is a danger to his crown, and therefore needs to be eliminated. He also claims that Banquo is his only competition, and admits for the first time that he is actually afraid of him. Macbeth sees his friend as the only one who could possibly unravel his “genius” plan to obtain the throne.
Act 4, Scene 1
“Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff.
Beware the Thane of Fifre. Dismiss me. Enough.”
“Whate’er thou art, for thy good caution, thanks.
Thou hast harped my fear aright. But one word more -”
(Lines 71-74)
This moment is arguably where Macbeth completely succumbs to his paranoia. With his already fragile mental state partnered with his increasing belief in the superstitious, seeing this ghostly apparition validate his fears of Macduff has only sent Macbeth further into madness. His paranoia is at its peak at this moment, because his fears have been confirmed and his actions can now go unchecked, with Macbeth resolving to vanquish all of his enemies.
Act 4, Scene 1
"Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn
The power of man, for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth"
"Then live, Macduff. What need I fear of thee?"
(Lines 79-82)
All the fear and paranoia boiling inside of Macbeth was just quelled. As previously stated, he has placed an increased amount of trust in the words of witches. So hearing something they conjured tell him that no man born from a woman (which Macbeth understandably assumes is every man) can do him any harm, his terror subsides. He even decides to spare Maduff. This is a huge step for him, as he actually decides against violence, which he had previously favored above all else.
His paranoia all but vanishes, as he believes himself untouchable.
Act 5, Scene 3
"Bring me no more reports. Let them fly all!
Till Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane,
I cannot taint with fear."
(Lines 1-3)
At this point in his life, Macbeth seems to have accepted his fate. He is no longer interested in the war, refusing to hear any updates on the raging battle. He claims to be unafraid, until his supposed killers come forward. But even then, he does not seem defiant. One may go as far as to say he has embraced his fate, as he does not try to stop it and is essentially just waiting for it to happen.
Act 5, Scene 8
"Accursed be that tongue that tells me so,
For it hath cowed my better part of man."
(Lines 17-18)
Macbeth finally meets his fate, and curses the man whose reputation has tormented him. He addresses his paranoia, and admits that it controlled his life. He even goes as far to claim that his it made him a coward and a lesser man. This is very important to the story, as Macbeth accepts his fate and sheds his delusions of persecution and threats. No longer believing that every one and their mother is out to kill him, Macbeth faces his killer once and for all, well aware of how the confrontation will end.
(Lines 33-35, 39-41)