Monday, September 22, 2008

Macbeth insecurities

Macbeth’s Insecurities- do not complete until we finish reading act 3...
1. Describe places, people, or events that make you feel insecure or uncertain. How do you tend to act when you’re feeling insecure?
2. Macbeth is also plagued by his insecurities. Why do you think he is haunted by the ghost of Banquo, but NOT by the ghost of Duncan? Think of at least two reasons.
3. Before deciding to murder both Duncan and Banquo, Macbeth delivers two long monologues. Reread the last few lines of each monologue (51, 87).Why do you think Macbeth is so concerned with whether or not they will go to heaven or hell?
4. Play the psychiatrist. If you had to give a diagnosis for Macbeth or Lady Macbeth what you explain as the condition they suffer from? Could you give a diagnosis of other characters? Duncan? Banquo? Malcolm and Donalbain?

47 comments:

justinp2012 said...

I'm usually insecure around people who I do not know, and/or people who do not know me. When I'm in a situation like that or anytime I fell insecure, I tend to just shy away and not talk much at all.
Macbeth definitely has a lot of insecurities for obvious reasons. I do not know the exact reasons why he is haunted by the ghost of Banquo but not Duncan's. I believe it is because he was not a close friend of the King, but rather his 'boss'. Banquo, however, was his best friend and comrade in war times, which made it worse that Macbeth killed him.
After killing Duncan, he didn't care if he went to heaven or to hell, but with Banquo, he wanted desperately for Banquo to go to heaven, because he was still his friend, in a sense. Also, Macbeth didn't want Banquo to suffer anymore, so he wanted him to go to a better place.
If I had to diagnose the characters, I would diagnose Macbeth with paranoia, post-traumatic stress and most likely some form of mental problem. Lady Macbeth seems to have multiple personalities, after seeing her plot a murder then later a kind and innocent lady. Duncan, I do not know, but he would most likely be in a very confused state after seeing his most loyal servant murder him. Banquo would be similar to Macbeth, since his best friend killed him. He must also be confused from seeing the prophecies of the Sisters prove true in front of his eyes. Malcolm and Donalbain would be in a state of severe paranoia after leaving the country in fear of getting killed, perhaps.

annas2012 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
annas2012 said...

1. I feel insecure in places I am not familiar with or places I do not believe I belong in. People I don’t know or people I don’t have much in common with make me feel insecure, and I haven’t had many events besides the first day of a new school that make me insecure. I tend to act shy and quiet when I am insecure or uncertain but most of the time a keep to myself.
2. I think the ghost of Banquo haunts Macbeth because Macbeth and Banquo were friends. Banquo never did anything that could have caused his death. Duncan may have been Macbeth’s cousin but he was only a leader/boss to Macbeth. Also, Duncan was only a way to become king instead of a friend, like Banquo.
3. Macbeth didn’t care if Duncan went to heaven or to hell. On the other hand, he did want Banquo to go to heaven because he was a dear friend. Banquo was still a friend while the monologue was being said. Banquo was going to suffer a lot that night, and Macbeth wanted to lighten the fall by asking for him to be sent to heaven.
4. If I were a psychiatrist I would probably diagnose Macbeth with Borderline Personality Disorder. According to the National Institute of National Health “a person with BPD may experience intense bouts of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last only hours, or at most a day”. Macbeth shows his share of depression at the end of Act 3. He also switches moods frequently. Macbeth took control over Banquo’s killing but afterward Macbeth become extremely anxious about Fleance and Banquo ‘ghost’. I would diagnose Lady Macbeth with bipolar disorder due to the fact that she has multiple moods around Macbeth and puts on different personalities around guests. Duncan seemed a happy man but after seeing Macbeth stab him he probably wouldn’t be able to trust anybody or leave his home at all. Banquo seems very calm and wise but after being killed indirectly by his best friend he would probably also have trouble with trust. Malcolm and Donalbain are cowards and seem to fear things easily.

john c said...

Well, I am usually insecure in laces that I don't know people or where it's just me and a few other people. Most of the time when I'm insecure, I act a lot different than I would normally.

I think that Macbeth is haunted by Banquo and not Duncan because first of all, Banquo's death wasn't necessary for Macbeth to become king. Only Duncan needed to die (So macbeth could become king) and Fleance (So that Macbeth could stay King). Another reason is that I think Macbeth was closer to Banquo than to Ducan. I mean, Duncan was pretty paranoid about betrayal, so it would be hard to get to know him,

I think that Macbeth is concerned with heaven and hell because he is unsure of his own fate. Before the first murder, he was partly dreading the reprecussions of Duncan's death and what would happen to him afterwards. And after Duncan's death when Macbeth is going to kill Banquo, he fears he is already guilty and so adding another death to his list will just put him deeper in the hole.

Now, if I was Macbeth's psychiatrist, I would think that he is suffering from severe schizophrenia (because he is hearing and seeing people who talk to him (I SEE DEAD PEOPLE- The Sixth Sense)) and I would be glad he came in to see a shrink, because he definitely needs some help. So, Macbeth, I'd like to give you these pills and every Wednesday at six, show up here and we will have a group therapy session (jk jk).

Thanks

John

mariep2012 said...

I usually feel insecure when I am around people that I don't know like Justin said. I don't know what they are going to think of my crazy quirks and stuff like that. For example, when I am at a party and I only know the host, I usually just hang with them and stay quiet until the ice is broken a little bit.

With the idea of Macbeth seeing Banquo, I think that he is seeing him because the guilt is even worse for him now and he is more...well...crazy now than he was before. Also, I think it's because he was closer to Banquo in a friend, man-to-man way whereas with Duncan, it was more respect.

With Duncan, as Justin said, Macbeth could care less about Duncan going to heaven or hell. And as for Banquo, he was still someone that could be thought of as a friend so he didn't wish him to hell. Also, I think the guilt is part of that too. He doesn't wish Banquo to hell because he doesn't want the greif and guilt of that hanging over his head with all the other things that he has to think about.

As far as my diagnosis, I think that this had mostly started due to problems with Macbeth's marriage. Yes, marriage. We could assume that since Macbeth has no heir to the throne that they had tried to have a kid but failed or the child died soon after birth. Lady Macbeth feels the grief of this loss and takes out her anger on murder through Macbeth. But why would Macbeth give in to this? I think that he really is in love with Lady Macbeth and hates to see her sad. Macbeth sees that if she became queen she would be happy again, making him happy. And, it would also be an honor to be king and queen because their family would be remembered for centuries. I think that Lady M thinks that if they can't have a child that they deserve something!

brookem said...

Places that make me feel insecure are where I’m I a place that I’ve never been before and I have to talk to people I don’t know well. Whenever this happens, I either get very quiet and shy, or I talk, a lot.
I think that Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo for the same reasons that justinp2012 thinks. That Banquo was one of Macbeth’s friends and Macbeth probably feels guiltier for plotting his murder. I mean, think about it, he had no trouble covering how he felt after he killed Duncan, but after he killed Banquo, he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Duncan was also just a person in Macbeth’s life that he did not know very well, who he just took orders from, he didn’t really know him on a personal level like he knew Banquo. This is also why Macbeth did not care if Duncan went to heaven or to hell. But with Duncan, he wanted him to go to heaven because he was his friend and he did not want Banquo to suffer any longer after he was dead. So basically, I agree with justinp2012 again.
Macbeth- He has some serious issues that are slowly being uncovered by the guilt that follows him after he has become a murderer. I would probably say that he is also a little bit OCD because everything has to be exactly how the witches said it had to be for him to become what he wants.
Lady Macbeth- She has multiple personalities as well and maybe a small case of OCD as well (Macbeth and her were practically made for each other!). I think it’s kind of obvious why she has multiple personalities. But she’s OCD because she had to be in control of Duncan’s murder because she didn’t think that Macbeth would do it correctly.
Duncan- I don’t really know…maybe he trusts people too easily because he stayed with a man who killed many people and didn’t think twice about the possibility of getting killed.
I don’t think that I know the personalities of Banquo, Malcolm, and Donalbain enough to diagnose their problems.

kaleidoscope_eyes said...

I don't think that Macbeth is comfortable with himself. He just mindlessly killed people violently in war. He was conned into killing the king because his wife questioned his manhood. He just killed his best friend to stay king; a position he never really wanted in the first place. I don't think he really knows what he wants, and the boarders of what he will and what he will not do do to get what he is not shure he wants. I think he has been manipulated so much, the real Macbeth has just receeded into a corner of his mind. After the madness of recent events, it has all finally caught up with him. This madness pronounces it's self in the form of various visual halucinations.

Anonymous said...

I'm totally insecure around my friends' parents, until I get to know them. I don't know for a while if they expect me to be polite and clean up after myself, or for my friend to clean up for me because "I'm the guest", even though I am perfectly capable of cleaning up for myself!
I'm also insecure around people I don't know. My parents might introduce me to someone "I know" who in fact I have never recalled seeing in my entire life. They say, "Oh, you remember my son Tristan..." without mentioning their name of course... so... I'm left struggling to remember exactly who this particular man is, then realizing he is gone by time I come up with a great answer. It is rather annoying, I think. Why not help me out with their name, at least?!

I think that Macbeth is haunted by Banquo because he just killed him. He didn't do it for gain (well, of course the sons of Banquo would become kings, but that would only be after Macbeth has deceased, or so I assume) or out of wrath. He only killed him because he feared for his new position. He isn't haunted by Duncan because Macbeth was already punished for Duncan's death. "Macbeth hath murdered sleep." That is his punishment. Also, Macbeth killed Duncan for personal gain, and became the king. Duncan's death actually satisfied him in the long run, while Banquo's only left guilt. Even worse, Macbeth couldn't kill Banquo himself. He had to hire murderers to do the dirty work for him.

I think Macbeth is concerned with both Duncan's and Banquo's "soar" to heaven or "dive" to hell because these were actually people he cared for. Duncan was his cousin, and a good king. Banquo was his faithful best friend. He only killed them because they were in his way, and he wanted more. But, he still wished that they would both go to heaven, or so I assume again, because he had loved these to gentlemen and even in death wished them well.

My Diagnosis for the Characters:
Macbeth: Schizophrenia
Why? Because he often heres voices or sees things that others cannot see. Such as when he hears that "Macbeth hath murdered sleep" and when he sees the ghost of Banquo in his seat.
Lady Macbeth: Psychopathic
Why? Because she offered to bash her own child's brains in if she had so promised. She also believes something as big as murder can be washed away with a bit o' good ol' water.
Duncan: Unmerciful
Why? Because he executed the Thane of Cawdor without even giving him a trial. Sure, he commited treason, but he still went a bit crazy with the chain-noose!
Banquo: Sane
Why? Because he is totally normal. Even when he tells of his dreams of the Weird Sisters to Macbeth, well, honestly I believe that anyone would still be having dreams about them. *Shiver*
Malcom + Donalbain: Paranoia
Why? Because they ran away from their father's death. If they had stayed, they would have been less suspicious. If they had even vowed to take revenge, it would have been even less suspicious, and maybe Macbeth would have been caught earlier. Before he had Banquo killed, even! Anyways, these two shouldn't have fled. It drew pure suspicion right to them. But, they were also paranoid that they, too, like their father, would have been killed.

Anonymous said...

PS - In my section about the characters diagnosis, where it says:
Macbeth: Schizophrenia
Why? Because he [heres]...
That should be "hears" not "heres".
Sorry!

jays2012 said...

I feel insecure or uncertain when I am around people i do not know. I don't act the way I do around people i know. I tend to not talk and be shy. I don't know whether I should be talking to these people or not.
Macbeth is haunted by the Ghost of Banquo and not the Ghost of Duncan because Banquo was his freind. He betrayed his freind and now feels bad about it. He took it a step too far and did something he didn't want to do.
Macbeth really didn't care about Duncan at all. He was just in the way. For Banquo he was worried and wanted him to go to heaven because he still liked him as a freind. He was afraid he would get in the way of the throne and that is what Macbeth wanted.
If i were to be a psychiatrist and diagnose Macbeth and Lady Macbeth with something, I would diagnose Lady Macbeth with extreme anger problems and need to go to anger management 2 hours a week. She is crazy and physco. She cannot control herself. For Macbeth, I would diagnose him with ADD because he is not the smartest puppy. He needs to take some sort of pills to control himself. He has some type of Hilusinations also. We might need to put him on some medication for that also. =D

AllisonM2012 said...

1. I usually feel insecure in places when they are new but especially when I am alone or when I know that I have done something wrong especially someone closer to me. When I am insecure, I am very quite and not very unconfident.
2. I think that Macbeth is haunted by the death of Banquo instead of Duncan for the reason that he also feels alone. He also feels guilty for killing Banquo more than Duncan does because Macbeth is not as closer to Duncan so he feels a larger amount of guilt when Banquo is killed.
3. I agree with Anna about Macbeth wanting Banquo to go to heaven because he was a close friend of Macbeth's. He states when Duncan is killed both heaven and hell because he does not have as close of connection with Duncan. When Banquo Macbeth just states heaven for the reason stated above.
4. Lady Macbeth~ We said in class a few days ago, that Lady Macbeth’s child had died earlier. I believe that this is why she is so violent. She felt that something was taken away from her, so she wanted to get something back. In this case, it was power or the role of queen.
Macbeth~ It was stated in the text that Macbeth felt as if he had done so many bad deeds that he could not turn back. He had been given a taste of more power and he did not want to give it up even to his best friend. Many dictators have throughout history; once they have that power, they are in no rush to give it up to anyone.

KyleL2012 said...

hmmm insecurity........that would have to be with my parents. they ask too many questions and need to know their limit. im not sure about places or people though

I think that he is insecure because banquo reminds him of Fleance and his guilt of leaving him to be. he might think that fleance will avenge his fathers death by killing macbeth.

I think he is really concerned with the heaven or hell because if they go to hell, he will feel really really bad about ending their life soon but if they go to heaven, he can feel better and maybe feel that they got a shortcut to better life....or death in this matter. I would say that lady macbeth suffers from imsousingmacbethitisntevenfunnyitis which means she is using macbeth and getting rid ofeach obstacle with him. Macbeth might have letmylifebecontrolledandletmemurdereveryonetomakesureicansleepbutintheenditmakesmesleepworse syndrome. he gets used by Lady Macbeth and in the end murders to feel more secure but in the end gets worse and worse. Duncan can be diagnosed by itrusttoomanypeopleandendupgettingkilled disease, Banquo can be hopingforthefuturebutforgettingthepresent disease. the others can be cowards for running away.

alisonr2012 said...

I feel insecure when I am around people I do not know or when I am in a large group of people. I tend to act shy and quiet when I feel insecure. I think Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo and not by the ghost of Duncan because he feels guilty about killing Banquo because Banquo was his friend while Duncan was his ‘boss’. Also because he killed Duncan to become king while he did not really have a reason to kill Banquo. I think Macbeth is concerned with Banquo going to heaven because they were friends and he did not want his friend to suffer anymore than necessary. Macbeth was not concerned about whether Duncan went to heaven or hell because to Macbeth Duncan was just a person. If I had to give a diagnosis for Macbeth I agree with justinp and would diagnose him with paranoia and some mental problems. I would diagnose Lady Macbeth with multiple personality disorder. Banquo would be confused. Malcolm and Donalbain would be severe paranoia.

bradyp2012 said...

I am insecure when I am around complete strangers. What I do when I am insecure is I usually don’t talk very much and I only say what I need to. I basically give the person one word answers.
I think Macbeth is haunted by Banquo and not Duncan because Banquo was is best friend so Macbeth feels much more guilt about killing him and not Duncan. I also think that with the murder of Duncan Macbeth didn’t plan or kill Duncan on his own, Lady Macbeth forced him to do it and she helped him with the killing. With Banquo it was all Macbeth’s idea and Lady Macbeth had nothing to do with it, which I think put more guilt on Macbeth and now because of all of the guilt he is being haunted by the ghost of Banqou.
I think that Macbeth is concerned about if they go to heaven or hell because it he thinks that it will make up the murder just a little bit if Duncan and Banquo go to heaven because heaven is much better than earth. He does wish Banquo to go to heaven more because Banquo is his best friend and he thinks that he deserves to go to heaven.
I would diagnose Macbeth as severely depressed. He is depressed because he can’t get to sleep because he is haunted by very sad thoughts, he has thoughts of suicide, and he is very insecure which also could lead to more depression because he is stuck in a hole of being afraid.

samis2012 said...

I feel insecure when I am in or around people or places I don’t know very well. I also feel insecure when I am doing something that I am not very good at with people who are good at it. Such as, playing soccer with my friend in Oregon, I'm very bad at soccer and she’s really good. When I feel insecure I tend to become shy and not talkative.

Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo because Banquo was one of his really good friends. Imagine what it would be like killing your best friend. Also, because his guilt is growing since he has now killed 2 people.

Macbeth is so concerned about Duncan and Banquo going to heaven or hell because during Shakespeare’s time they were very religiously based and they thought it the worst fate possible if you went to hell. Also, when a person is dying that is their time to ask for God’ forgiveness for all their sins and ask Him to bring them to heaven. Since Banquo and Duncan didn’t have time to say this prayer he is doing it for them as a kind of sign of respect and, I would think, as a way of apologizing for killing them.

If I were a psychiatrist, I would diagnose Macbeth with schizophrenia because he is hearing voices and seeing things on one else can see. If I were to diagnose Lady Macbeth I would diagnose her as psychopathic and with a little bit of anger management. She offered to smash her newborn baby’s head in! Also with the whole “unsexing” monologue, that really adds to the psychopathic diagnosis.

Maxe2012 said...

1)I feel insecure around places or people I don't know. I don't talk very much around people I don't know well.

2)I think that Macbeth was closer to Banquo and felt worse about his death. Also, Macbeth didn't see Banquo die, so there is a possibility (Macbeth thinks) that Banquo is still alive. That could cause Macbeth to see Banquo.

3)Probably because if they go to hell, then they were bad people and it wouldn't be as bad to kill them.

4)Macbeth is paranoid. He has marriage problems because his wife controls him. Lady Macbeth is too pushy. She is controlling and a compulsive liar. Duncan is confused. He is not the best king and he doesn't know who he can trust. Banquo would have some major trust issues if he were still alive. Macbeth really betrayed Banquo. Malcolm and Donalbain are probably really scared and mad that Macbeth is king.

sammiet2012 said...

1.The places in which I become insecure are when I am someplace that I have never been and I don’t know anyone there, when I am around people I don’t know, and when I am put into a situation where I get embarrassed. For example if I am out with some friends and we are at a movie theater and on the way out I trip down the last five stairs inside the theater, and when I get up and turn around a guy from school or soccer that I have a crush on is right behind me I and I know I saw me trip, that is when I become insecure.

When I become insecure I tens up and become very quiet. The one exception is when my friends are around me and then I just tens up and become small and shy for a minute then I loosen up and let it go.

2.Macbeth is plagued by the ghost of Banquo and not Duncan because Banquo was Macbeth’s best friend and Duncan was like one of those relatives who you know and care about but you aren’t really emotionally attached to. Another reason would be Macbeth didn’t see Banquo die so he might think that Banquo is still alive and that he might come back and say something like ‘Hey I know you were the one that had me attacked by those murderers’.

3.On this question I would have to agree with Max because lets say you are driving a car and you crash and kill the driver in the other car, and the person is a murderer that is on the loose you probably won’t feel as bad than if the person worked 60 hours a week at a local charity.

4.I would have to say that with my newly acquired psychiatric degree (just kidding) that Macbeth is on the path to becoming a cereal killer.

katiez2012 said...

I only really get insecure when I am around people that I know are way better at what we are doing than I am. I’m not a real shy person, and I talk to people I don’t know that well easily. But when I’m uncertain of my abilities or know that I’m not going to do well, that’s when I start to feel insecure. I act kind of all quiet and don’t talk to a lot of people. When I act like that, I am usually thinking pretty deeply.
Macbeth obviously had many insecurities, but I think that he was haunted by Banquo but not Duncan for the main reason that he was closer to Banquo. He must have felt more guilt because they had been friends and he had cared about him in the past. It must haunt him to know that he did such a bad thing to one of his good friends. He wasn’t nearly as close to Duncan so he felt some guilt, but not enough to have it haunt him. Another reason could be that he had a semi-good reason to kill Duncan. Killing should never be the answer, but Macbeth wanted his position. The only way to get to that position would have been to kill Duncan, so he did and it all worked out with a little guilt. But with Banquo, he didn’t have such a good reason. Just fear. Banquo was innocent and now Macbeth knows he did wrong and so he is paying for it by the ghost of Banquo haunting him.
Macbeth is concerned about whether they go to heaven or hell because he wants to make sure they end up in the right place. He must want Banquo to go to heaven because it is better than Earth which he thinks he deserves because they were best friends. But he wasn’t as close to Duncan so he doesn’t know what’s going on there. He also must be confused about his own fate and if all of these murders will make him closer to going to hell if he isn’t already there.
I would diagnose Macbeth as paranoid and depressed. He is freaking out about what everyone is thinking and hearing and seeing things. He has just murdered two people, one of which was his good friend and is extremely guilty about it. He has to have everything his way which kind of adds to the paranoia and as Brooke said, a little OCD. He definitely needs help. Lady Macbeth just has anger issues. She is an evil lady that wants to kill her kids and she get’s pretty mad at strange stuff and her multiple personalities has her come off as a psychopath. Duncan on the other hand was totally normal. He was a good guy and had no serious problems that come to mind.

connorm said...

A place that can sometimes make me feel insecure is the clubhouse at Southglenn country club. There are some elderly women there that will hassle you if you are not playing golf with an adult. Sometimes when I'm there the lady will ask how old i am because you have to be 15 and i tell her i am am 15 but she doesn't believe me and looks it up and I am right and she just starts going crazy but that's how it works.
Banquo was more a friend or buddy of Macbeth and not like just some unknown hierarchy. He liked Banquo but because he was afraid Banquo would take the throne he lost it and took Banquo's life. Seeing as that they were such great friends he has trouble cooping with the fact that he had him murdered. Duncan and Macbeth didn't have anything special between them so he doesn't see his ghost. Also, Macbeth is not regretting killing Duncan but, he regrets killing Banquo. When Macbeth makes a toast to Banquo during the feast he feels guilty because he caused the death of Banquo and is now praising him. The ghost then appears maybe as a sign that Banquo knew he killed Duncan. he is so concerned whether they go to heaven or hell because the after life lasts forever and he would rather be happy then than now. Since Macbeth is worried that by killing Duncan and Banquo he worries that he will go to hell and won't be happy in the after life. I don't know any terms from psychiatry but i guess i would diagnose Macbeth with a personality that involves being controllable but also having a good conscience that is silenced by others. Lady Macbeth i would diagnose with a greedy and possibly evil like personality for the facts that she is turning into a witch and that she wants to be queen and was willing to be evil for that to happen.

AustinW2012 said...

1. Any dangerous situations or after something bad emotionally has happened. You usually tend to be very defensive and emotional.
2. I think one, Banquo was his best friend and two, he didn't have any reason but a prophecy to kill him.
3. Because even though he is killing them he doesn't want them to die he just feels as though he has to for he himself to survive and stay in power. So he wants as little bad things as he can to happen to them but no do to little to get himself in trouble.
4. Basically I just think the guilt of his deeds is driving Mabceth insane and Malcom and Donalbain are just in shock because of the murder of their father.

kailynw2012 said...

I become quiet and to myself when I am uncertain. Normally psyching myself out in the process.

I'm not really sure why, both were betrayal, both were murder. Maybe something to do with power, Macbeth and Banquo were more equal in the beginning. Plus, maybe because Banquo was killed out of fear, not power hunger.


Macbeth is justifying himself. He references the afterlife, because then he isn't really killing them for them to rot in the ground, they have more life to live in the afterlife.

If human nature for power is a disease then I think thats what he has, along with a character that wants too take action. It would take a strong willed person to not have THOUGHTS of doing what Macbeth did in his situation, it just took his character and encouragement/threats from his wife to get that done. Lady Macbeth is suffering from desire. I'm not sure if the other characters are really suffering from anything. Of course if I were really a psychiatrist, I would never really tell them that.

alexandriab2012 said...

1.I tend to be a very shy person when I'm in a new situation with new people. However, once I've meet the person/people and know more about the situation, I tend to be my self which is loud and I joke around...a lot! I also tend to be a quiet person in class (sometimes); I always have something to say I just don't always say it, especially if I feel like everyone else is better at it than me.
2.I think that because it was his best friend and he didn’t really does anything wrong (other than being in a prophecy), the guilt is getting to him. Macbeth didn’t kill him he had someone else to do it for him, maybe he feel like there was another way to keep his crown without killing his best friend. It’s clear his conscience is getting to him. With Duncan I don’t think it matter to him as much as the power did and Duncan was just in his way. By the time he has Banquo killed he already had what he wanted.
3.I think Macbeth is concerned because if after Macbeth dies then he will have to maybe deal with one if not both Duncan and Banquo in either heaven or hell for the rest of eternity.
4.Macbeth married a psycho, he too has become insane/psycho. Both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are power hungry, willing to do anything for it. Maybe Lady Macbeth didn’t have a good childhood or when her child died that somehow has affected her with post-traumatic stress. With Duncan he’s just clueless and is the wrong person at the wrong time. Banquo chooses the wrong person to be friends with. Malcolm and Donalbain are both paranoid.

ashleys2012 said...

Shyness is one of the major signs of my acting insecure. I am insecure around people and places that I am not supposed to be or are uncomfortable being at or with. I believe he is being haunted by the ghost of Banquo instead of the ghost of Duncan is a major factor in this novel. Macbeth had to kill Duncan to even have a chance of being king. Macbeth did not necessarily have to kill Banquo to become king. Macbeth feels guilty because not only was Banquo his friend, but someone who did not need to die.

I agree with John when he said that Macbeth is not concerned with whether or not they will go to heaven of hell because he does not know for certain where his fate lies. He is only concerned with the time being and stretching life to its full potential. He is only making the best of the present and will deal with the consequences later.

I would diagnose Macbeth as being paranoid. He is talking to himself like a lunatic, can’t sleep and feels and knows he is guilty all the time. Lady Macbeth is a lunatic and a control freak seeing as everything has to be her way.

robertc2012 said...

Question 2- I think that Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo, not Duncan's ghost, because Banquo was a closer friend to him. Macbeth didn't have as good of a reason to kill his friend except to get him out of the way, while with Duncan his excuse was that it would make him king.
I think every excuse for hurting someone is a bad excuse.

Carolyn F. said...

1. Certain things that make me feel insecure are when my parents will bring up something I lied about. Another thing is when someone asks me something person that may be awkward. When I feel insecure I tend to just be quiet and try to not get too involved in the conversation.
2.One reason is that Banquo was Macbeth's best friend. Another reason is that Duncan was a necessary kill when Banquo was just a precaution.
3.I think Macbeth is so concerned about heaven and hell because he knows that he is the one putting him there. I think if he sends Banquo to heaven he will not feel as guilty where-as if he sends him to hell.
4.I would diagnose Lady Macbeth as psychotic. She is obviously crazy and being the queen has really gotten to her head. I would diagnose Malcolm with paranoia. He seems way to concerned that Macbeth will take him out as well.

bridgetL said...

I feel insecure when I am around a lot of very confident people or a lot of people that are very different from me. I think that when I am insecure, I act more shy and quiet than usual, versus if I’m in a place where I am very comfortable, I am able to really be myself. I think that perhaps one reason Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo rather than Duncan is because Banquo’s murder represents Macbeth’s fall. He is getting worse and worse, more and more evil. So, in murdering a second innocent man, Macbeth’s conscience is arising even more. Another reason is that he is perhaps more nervous about Banquo’s murder because he knows that Fleance lives, so there is another person in the world who knew what happened and could possibly lead the risk of tracing the murder back to him. I think that Macbeth is so concerned with whether or not Duncan and Banquo go to heaven or hell is because of two possible reasons. One is that he hopes they go to hell, because that would mean that have done evil deeds and they deserve to die, easing his guilt a little bit. Another more likely reason, I believe, is that Macbeth does not have the deep evil of a murder and he wants the best for those he kills. He is aware that both Duncan and Baquo are innocent men that do not deserve to die and he hopes that they will get to go to a better place after such an unfair death. I’m not sure about the diagnosis. I think I will come back and respond to that a little later.

Megg2012 said...

I think that Lady Macbeth makes me feel insecure. They way she talks does not resemble an old-english lady, and I think shakespeare purposely did that.
I think that he is haunted by Banquo's ghost because Banquo was his best friend, and he can't live with his actions of hiring people to kill him. Was he trying to hide his identity, or was he not man enough to do it himself.
More later on the other questions...
MEG

Megg2012 said...

Also, one more reason that he was not haunted by Duncan was maybe because, like justin said, Banquo was his friend at war, and maybe he feels so guilty about his actions to kill his best friend, that they come back to haunt him.
I think that Macbeth could care less if Duncan went to heaven or hell. I think that Macbeth desperately hoped that Banquo would go to heaven, maybe because he thought he would go to heaven, and then they could see each-other again, but I don't know.
I think that Macbeth suffers from Borderline Personality disorder. He is phased by short attacks of anxiety, depression, and anger. I think that Lady Macbeth is psycho, and that's that. She also is very superficial, by the way she acts one way to certain people ( the king, Banquo) but then plans to kill them. I think that Banquo is totally sane. He is loyal to the king, has a normal family, and has a best friend. His sanity must have been seriously altered when he was murdered. I think that Malcolm and Donalbain are probably paranoid, and very fearful. They appear very suspicious by running away, but I think that they were in so much shock that their dad died, that they were not thinking clearly.

kristenm2012 said...

1. I feel insecure when I’m around a lot of people I don’t know and in a place I don’t know and I tend to be quieter than I usually am. I think that Macbeth was more haunted by Banquo than Duncan because Banquo was actually his friend.
2. Also, Duncan was just someone who stood in the way of Macbeth getting what he wanted where as Banquo had to be killed because he knew too much.
3. Macbeth really didn’t care the same way for Duncan the as he did for Banquo, when Macbeth kills Banquo he feels really bad and hopes that his friend will go to heaven and not hell. This compares to the way he doesn’t care about where Duncan ends up.
4. If I had to diagnose Macbeth, I would say he was bipolar. The way he acts extremely happy in some scenes and vey depressed in others matches the mood swings of someone who is bipolar. I don’t really think that Duncan would have to be diagnosed because I don’t believe that he has any disorder, he was simply an old king that was murdered so that someone new could take the throne. I think that the same goes for Banquo, he was just a loyal friend to Macbeth, and when he heard what the weird sisters had to say he was condemned. I agree with brookem, because I don’t really know Malcolm and Donalbain enough to diagnose them.

chelseac2012 said...
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brianf2012 said...

I am insecure when I am around people I do not know especially when I have heard bad things about that particular person. I just keep to myself and then if they want to talk to me they can, but I won’t talk to them. I think he is haunted by the ghost of Banquo because he did not kill him. Banquo never questioned his manhood, but he was the one person that Macbeth was to afraid to kill. Also, Banquo was a good friend of his. Duncan is almost no one to Macbeth except for the fact that Duncan has power Macbeth wants. Macbeth really does not care where he goes because he does not know him very closely. Banquo was his close friend and of course all Macbeth wants is to secure his King position he does not want Banquo to go to hell. I would say Macbeth is paranoid, but also needs to make his decisions solely on what he wants because before he killed Duncan there were not any real problems, but he let himself get manipulated and now he is in a terrible place.

katieh2012 said...

1. I would have to say, that like most of the others, I become insecure when I am around people I am not familiar with or in a situation I know I don't really belong in. I sort of close myself off and get really quiet and shy.

2. I think that Macbeth is most plagued by Banquo's murder for the obvious reson that they were close friends. But one other reason he may be more haunted by it (I'm not sure about it) is because he was not involved in the actual murder. He killed Duncan himself whereas he hired a murder to kill Banquo. Also- It may because the murder of Duncan was somewhat justified. Macbeth performed the deed in order to obatin the crown. On the other hand, there wasn't really point in killing Banquo because the prophecy stated taht Banquo's SONS were the threat, not Banquo himself.

3. I think Macbeth wanted Banquo to go to heaven because he didn't want his friends life to end so brutally and not be compensated for it. He also wasn't as close to Duncan.

4. Macbeth most likely suffers from paranoia, post traumatic stress disorder, and either Schizophrenis or Borderline Personality disorder. Most of these are pretty severe disorders, and they seem to be getting worse and worse as time goes on.
Lady Macbeth is very Schizophrenic and she even sows signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This is when a person becomes very self centered, almost to an extreme degree. She brings Macbeth to do what SHE wants so that she can get the power that SHE actually wants.

katieh2012 said...

1. I would have to say, that like most of the others, I become insecure when I am around people I am not familiar with or in a situation I know I don't really belong in. I sort of close myself off and get really quiet and shy.

2. I think that Macbeth is most plagued by Banquo's murder for the obvious reson that they were close friends. But one other reason he may be more haunted by it (I'm not sure about it) is because he was not involved in the actual murder. He killed Duncan himself whereas he hired a murder to kill Banquo. Also- It may because the murder of Duncan was somewhat justified. Macbeth performed the deed in order to obatin the crown. On the other hand, there wasn't really point in killing Banquo because the prophecy stated taht Banquo's SONS were the threat, not Banquo himself.

3. I think Macbeth wanted Banquo to go to heaven because he didn't want his friends life to end so brutally and not be compensated for it. He also wasn't as close to Duncan.

4. Macbeth most likely suffers from paranoia, post traumatic stress disorder, and either Schizophrenis or Borderline Personality disorder. Most of these are pretty severe disorders, and they seem to be getting worse and worse as time goes on.
Lady Macbeth is very Schizophrenic and she even sows signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This is when a person becomes very self centered, almost to an extreme degree. She brings Macbeth to do what SHE wants so that she can get the power that SHE actually wants.

bridgetL said...

If I was a psychiatrist and I had to diagnose Macbeth, I would diagnose him with schizophrenia.
1. Experience hallucinations
a. Macbeth imagined the dagger that led him to Duncan’s room, as well as the ghost of Banquo.
2. Have trouble managing emotions
a. I would say that the way Macbeth goes on and off from feeling horrible about what he has done, to doing more an inability to manage his emotions. I think that he is feeling so much that he gets feelings confused and is led to do more violent acts.
3. Experience paranoia
a. Macbeth is very paranoid about a lot of things. One is that he worries about the danger that both Banquo and his sons hold, so he kills Banquo. He is also very paranoid about Macduff plotting against him.
4. Act in ways that are strange and out of place.
a. Many things Macbeth does are strange and out of place. The simple fact that he has committed several murders all because a witch told him he should be king is strange. He also starts ranting about ghosts and such at dinner or will often talk to himself, like before he killed Duncan.
All of these are symptoms of schizophrenia and examples of how Macbeth fits the mold. His hallucinations, paranoia, and range of emotions are all part of his disorder.

NickM2012 said...

I feel very insecure when I am up close and personal with people I don’t know or, people I don’t know well. In situations like those I tend to not act as myself. This could be in a different way for certain situations, like one time I might act real crazy and not care, while others I might just stay back and withdrawn from whatever is going on. I think that Macbeth was more haunted by the ghost of Banquo than Duncan because Banquo was his best friend, and he himself was not in the way of Macbeth’s rise to power. Duncan had to be killed for Macbeth to become king, but now that he became king, Macbeth did not need to kill Banquo, which might be why he is more haunted. Both Duncan and Banquo are very close to Macbeth, and that is why he cares so much whether they went to heaven or hell. He says in his monologue before Banquo’s death that he wants Banquo to go to Heaven, but however, he did not specify which he wants Duncan to go to. I have no idea what is wrong with Macbeth’s mind. He is most likely suffering from what all humans want… more power or a better life, but he messed it up, or the witches did. Because he had to kill to get to the position he wanted, his guilt started to get heavy, and then, he becomes over confident to get rid of that weight of the guilt on his shoulders, and eventually, this will lead to his downfall.

chelseac2012 said...
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chelseac2012 said...

1. I feel insecure when I first meet people and really don’t know what to talk about. Also, just simply things like starting out new at school – I know every year, I start out shy and then become at least a little less timid (in some classes) after school’s in farther. When I’m insecure, I’m just shy. There’s not really much to describe.
2. Who wouldn’t have insecurities after committing a few murders? I think Macbeth is haunted by Banquo’s ghost because he was close to Banquo. They were good friends while Duncan and Macbeth didn’t really share anything. Macbeth also was a little bit on a killing spree and I do not believe Banquo’s murder was that necessary.
3. I don’t think Macbeth cares where Duncan goes. He’s only concerned with where Banquo is going because he didn’t want him to end up in hell. Who would want to send their friend to hell, right? But, also, he may just not want to end up meeting either of them (like what AlexB said earlier) in the afterlife. Who really knows what the afterlife holds? Macbeth could simply end up in his own personal hell where Banquo and Duncan come to haunt him all the time; I think he’s a little worried where he will end up.
4. Mostly everyone is crazy in one way or another. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth want to secure the thrown at any costs. I believe Lady Macbeth fuels some of her husbands’ thoughts. When he is having second thoughts on murder, she steps in saying it’s what they need and not to worry. (Maybe they need a divorce or some time apart so she isn’t ruling his life.) Banquo isn’t crazy. He just hangs out with the wrong people who could’ve gotten him in some trouble but end up killing him. Other characters may be slightly crazy, sane, or some other something going on in their lives. Conditions may be from personal lives or murderous missions.

kelseyc2012 said...

I feel uncomfortable when I hang out with someone I haven’t talked to in a long time or somebody I don’t really know that well for the first time alone. We don’t really know what we like to do together yet and it gets really awkward just sitting around trying to decide. I get kind of quiet when I am insecure. I don’t really know what to say.
I think Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo and not the ghost of Duncan because he did not gain anything by murdering Banquo. By killing Duncan he gained the throne, but by killing Banquo he gained nothing.
As for the third question I am not really sure. Perhaps he was concerned about seeing them again in his afterlife. Maybe he anticipated he would rest eternally in hell and he hoped that Banquo would go to heaven because he could not stand to confront him. Macbeth couldn’t even murder Banquo himself.

kelseyc2012 said...

I feel uncomfortable when I hang out with someone I haven’t talked to in a long time or somebody I don’t really know that well for the first time alone. We don’t really know what we like to do together yet and it gets really awkward just sitting around trying to decide. I get kind of quiet when I am insecure. I don’t really know what to say.
I think Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo and not the ghost of Duncan because he did not gain anything by murdering Banquo. By killing Duncan he gained the throne, but by killing Banquo he gained nothing.
As for the third question I am not really sure. Perhaps he was concerned about seeing them again in his afterlife. Maybe he anticipated he would rest eternally in hell and he hoped that Banquo would go to heaven because he could not stand to confront him. Macbeth couldn’t even murder Banquo himself.

carolineb2012 said...

I usually feel insecure around the unknown. I tend to act different or more reserved because around people or places that I don’t know I fear that they will not like me or that I get lost or something.. I think that Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo and not Duncan because A. Banquo was his best friend and B. He didn’t need to kill him to be king, he did it as a precaution. He feels more guiltily for murdering Banquo because he was his best friend, and he was also entirely innocent, his death was not necessary. He feels like he can justify it if they go to heaven because then he won’t feel as bad. I think that Macbeth definitely has paranoia and maybe schizophrenia. He is always worried about being discovered and seems to see visions in his head; he also is having troubles in social situations. If I were to diagnose any of the other characters with a mental disorder I would say that King Duncan is too trusting and that Malcolm and Donalbain are definitely cowardly otherwise they would have stayed and ruled instead of running away for fear of their lives.

Zivenc2012 said...

New places, people, and events make me feel insecure and I tend to act shy and quiet when I’m insecure.

Macbeth is haunted by Banquo instead of Duncan because Macbeth was best friends with Banquo and because the Witches showed Macbeth a line of Scottish kings in the image of Banquo which makes him restless.

Macbeth is concerned with whether or not Duncan and Banquo go heaven or hell because he does not want to murder pious and good men that will go to heaven he wants to feel justified in killing bad and evil men that will go to hell.

Macbeth probably suffers from paranoia to a large degree. I don’t think I could give a diagnoses for any of the other characters

SydneyR2012 said...

1. I usually feel insecure when I find myself in a place that I don’t necessarily belong in, or when everyone around me knows everyone, and I am the only one who doesn’t know the people around me.
2. Macbeth is haunted by Banquo and not by Duncan because he was closer to Banquo than Duncan. They did everything together, they had been through a lot together, and they could relate to each other. With Duncan, Macbeth doesn’t feel as much guilt because Duncan had something that he wanted, so yes he does feel bad, but he gets something back for it. With Banquo, it was almost an unnecessary death. There was nothing to compensate for the death.
3. This relates to the second topic. Macbeth is so concerned about whether they go to heaven or hell because he is the one “sending” them there. Before he murders Duncan, he talks about heaven AND hell, but with Banquo, he only mentions heaven. This alludes to the fact that he doesn’t care whether Duncan goes to heaven or hell, but he wants Banquo to go to heaven, because he knows that Banquo was innocent and in a way, didn’t necessarily need to be murdered. He was also his friend
4. Diagnostic for Macbeth- Schizophrenia (manifests as hallucinations, paranoid/bizarre delusions)
Diagnostic for Lady Macbeth- Bipolar Disorder (mood disorders, can go from one extreme mood to another in minutes)

Anonymous said...

I get insecure when I can't laugh or make a joke. I remember several times in my life where I would laugh at something or make a remark and I was looked at like I was crazy/and or stupid. I hate it when people make me feel stupid or when you try to enter a conversation and everything you say the people look at you like you are an idiot. Has anyone else felt that way? lol
It is quite possible that Lady Macbeth is the source for most of Macbeth's insecurities. She is always challenging his man-hood which leads me to believe that they sometimes complete for the head of the house-hold role.

I think Banquo is haunting Macbeth because he made the plans and the decision to murder, instead of letting Lady Macbeth do all the planning. Banquo also could be haunting him because they were best friends, on equal playing ground and Banquo wasn't even prophesied as becoming king, his sons were.
I don't think Macbeth knew Duncan well enough to determine if he should go to heaven or hell. But when he killed Banquo he wanted him to go to heaven so that he wouldn't have to suffer and he also cared for him and knew he was a good person.

I think macbeth suffers from depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and paranoia, as well as many other syndromes. And yes Mariep I would have to agree with you on the whole marriage thing. I bet he has a lot of stress because of her. Lady Macbeth is wako! I think she has multiple personalities and is a chronic lier. She also sees herself much differently then everyone else does, she is very self-righteous. Donalbain, Duncan's son is a total coward at least Malcom is trying to get an army together.

Jonathan P said...

I usually feel insecure when I’m around people that I do not know very well or when I am at a place that I am not used to going to. I tend to these feelings by not talking and I am very shy at the moment until I get to know the people better.
Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo and not by the ghost of Duncan because Banquo was one of Macbeth’s really good friends and Duncan was just a “colleague” to Macbeth. Banquo wouldn’t have done the same to Macbeth and Macbeth knows that and his guilt forms into his seeing of the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth betrayed Banquo so much that his ghost reappeared.
Macbeth is does not care if King Duncan goes to heaven or hell. Macbeth wants Banquo to go to heaven though because he was a dear friend of Macbeth and Macbeth still does not want him to suffer in the after life.
Macbeth’s diagnosis is that he has depression. His depression leads to other things like guilt of what he has done in the past like murdering a member of his family and very good friend. This guilt then leads to hallucinations like when the ghost of his friend Banquo reappears before him and when he sees the visions of the dagger. A diagnosis for Duncan is over-confidence (if that is considered a diagnosis). His over-confidence and pride in Macbeth led to his downfall and Macbeth murdered him. A diagnosis for Malcolm and Donalbain is necrophobia (the fear of dying) and they would risk anything to live, even the kingdom.

brianc2012 said...

I usually feel insecure when I'm around people or places that I’m unfamiliar with. When I'm insecure I usually don't talk when I feel insecure because I could do something embarrassing. If I am insecure then I try to get more situated with what’s around me.

Macbeth has insecurities for obvious reasons. Macbeth just killed the king so he is insecure about who to trust. The ghost of Banquo made him very insecure because he though the ghost was real and it would haunt him. Duncan was Macbeths' ruler so he didn't really haunt him but Banquo was a war comrade and friend.

Macbeth didn't care much about Duncan going to heaven or hell because Duncan was just dead. With Banquo Macbeth thought of him still as a comrade and when he saw the ghost he wanted the spirit to leave and go to heaven so that it would leave him alone. Duncan was a cousin but he was more of a leader and because Macbeth wanted that position he had to kill Duncan.

If I had to diagnose Macbeth I think I would diagnose him with paranoia and stress, and he's in a confused mental state on how he should feel. Macbeth thinks that because he killed Duncan and Banquo, people will come after him. He is also very stressed out due to his guilt about murder and this is taking a physical and mental toll on his body. Lady Macbeth doesn’t really have any mental problems but her emotions could get the best of her and Macbeth.

lsadler2012 said...

I usually feel most insecure when I am in a surrounding that I'm unfamiliar with. Also, strange as it is, I feel insecure when I am front of people that I'm not sure will judge me or not. I tend to act secluded and quiet and with drawn from the large crowd of people. The main reason that Macbeth his haunted by Banquo is simply that he was a only true comrade and companion. Banquo was there from the beginning of the story where as Ducan was just a pawn and wall in the way of Macbeth becoming king. Since Macbeth had never really conspired to murder Banquo, when he did it was unecassary and left him feeling guilty. I think this concern for Duncan going to heaven or hell has to do with the power that Macbeth has over his soul. Macbeth alone had the power to send Duncan to the after life whatever the destination. I feel that this strange and overwhelming decision through Macbeth for a loop. If I was the psychiartrist I would diagnose Macbeth with parania and skytzefrenia (not sure how you spell that). This is pretty obvious since Macbeth is clearly losing it when he sees the dagger. The parania leads him to question all of his closest friends and relations until he has murdered everyone that appears to be a threat. Lady Macbeth definately has some issues. The condition I would give her is control freak and bi polar. Lady Macbeth seems to be in control one day and completly in the back seat the next. Duncan seems pretty stable although he is not without his flaws. He is completely oblivous to his surroudings.

Laurao said...

I definitely agree with annnasophiar on the fact that if I try to tell a funny story after someone else has told a funnier one, people look at me like I have a third eye or something (the first part is awkward making me insecure)that makes me really insecure. But to tell the truth, I am very comfortable in most situations. I warm up to people very fast and I don’t really care about what people think of me (to an extent). When I am insecure, I usually am very quiet and reserved and try to get myself out of that situation.
I agree with johnc, I think that Macbeth is able to see the ghost of Banquo and not Duncan because Macbeth had to kill Duncan to be king. Macbeth had no good reasoning for killing Banquo, making Macbeth feel almost remorseful. Also, Banquo and Macbeth were friends, and if a friend kills another friend, it would be on my conscious too!
I think that Macbeth is concerned about Banquo going to heaven or hell because he cared about him a lot, he just believed that the only way to be king was to kill him. As for Duncan, I don’t think that Macbeth cared much about him, I think those lines were put in there for more emphasis on what Macbeth was about to do.
If I was the psychiatrist, I would diagnose Lady Macbeth with severe anxiety, post partum depression, as well as having some sort of strange brain disease. Macbeth probably has borderline. Borderline changes throughout a person’s life and can be very easy to deal with or very difficult, depending on the severity. (Thanks Mrs. Zisch!) Banquo and Duncan probably suffer from death.