Study Of Macbeth From The Perspective Of Psychoanalysis

William Shakespeare (1564—1616), an English playwright and poet, is recognized in much of the world as the greatest of all dramatists and one of the most influential writers in the world's literature. Macbeth, centering on the downfall of a powerful man, is the last of Shakespeare's four great tragedies and by far the shortest. This tragedy is the conversion of a good man into a wholly evil one through the interaction of the internal causes with the external causes.This paper studies the whole play through Freud's theory --- psychoanalysis, and reveals a real Macbeth. The author admits his evilness, and wants to display the reasons of his downfall. The id, ego and superego are utilized to illustrate his inner conflict. Everyone has his or her own lust, which will force an individual to do some evil things. Macbeth is considered as such a person who does everything just for his own desire.The three witches'influence is an important factor in Macbeth's downfall. They take the first place in rekindling Macbeth's desire to crown him king. They represent Macbeth's id, which urges Macbeth to go beyond the limitation of the superego. They play a crucial part in the development of the whole tragedy. They are the embodiment of the evil. They are regarded as the source that brings Macbeth's downfall.Besides, Lady Macbeth's influence is another factor in Macbeth's falling. She gives a push in Macbeth's degeneration and breaks the balance of Macbeth's conscience and ambition. Lady Macbeth plays a very important role in tragic development of the play. Firstly, the thesis studies the whole process of Macbeth's transmutation and analyzes the individual character through the psychoanalysis of id, ego and superego.Secondly, the thesis reveals the reason of Macbeth'moral degeneration and displays the relationship between the three witches and Lady Macbeth.This paper thinks that Macbeth's tragedy derives from his desire for power. The three witches'prophecies awaken Macbeth's inner desire, and make his id beyond the limitation of his superego. Under Lady Macbeth's incitement, he commits murders. At last Macbeth becomes a slave of his id and a devil.