Question

(In Act II Scene iii, Macbeth utters a hypocritical lament beginning with, “Had I but died.” Is it really hypocritical? Several critics have argued that although the speech is meant to be a lie, it contains “Macbeth’s profoundest feelings.” Explain this apparent contradiction. How does Macbeth feel about having murdered Duncan? What clues tell you how he feels?.

Answer 1

Macbeth's lament in Act II Scene iii appears hypocritical, as he is responsible for the murder he wishes he had died before witnessing. However, his words also convey his profound guilt and the realization of the consequences of his actions, showing the complexity of his emotions after Duncan's murder.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Macbeth, the passage where Macbeth laments "Had I but died an hour before this chance," suggests at face value that he wishes he had died before Duncan’s murder, as everything that follows seems meaningless. This statement can be seen as hypocritical because Macbeth himself is responsible for the murder. However, it also signals his acknowledgment of the gravity of his actions, and the irreparable change in his life. His subsequent speeches reveal his deep-seated guilt and torment over the murder; for example, “Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep'.” This indicates that Macbeth is aware of the moral consequences of his actions, as insomnia and paranoia are starting to plague him.

The discussions between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth also give us clues about his feelings post-murder. Lady Macbeth chastises him for his fear and hesitation, suggesting that his resolve is weakened after the deed is done. The line from Macbeth, “If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly,” shows that he understands the moral implications and possible repercussions of regicide, yet still proceeds. It is this complex interplay of ambition, guilt, and hypocrisy that makes Macbeth such a rich character. Moreover, the contrast between his public expressions of sorrow and private guilt highlight the dual nature of his psyche post-regicide.

Answer 2

When Macbeth murders Duncan he feels a bit of sorrow and remorse because his killing was never meant to go that far, he did it out of the scarceness that of what his wife said was going to be true as to being his sons were going to be girly and she was practically projecting his man hood as a joke. So therefore Macbeth wasn’t being hypocritical he was saying that with what he has done he he has died and he actually does feel sorrow and remorse.