Macbeth and Crime and Punishment are two renowned pieces of literature that explore the depths of human morality. Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is a story about a Scottish king who commits regicide in order to gain the throne. Crime and Punishment, written by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, is the story of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a young man who kills an old woman for financial reasons. Despite being set in different times and locations, both Macbeth and Crime and Punishment present characters that are deeply affected by their crimes.
Macbeth is wracked with guilt after committing murder, and his mental state deteriorates as the play progresses. Crime and Punishment’s Raskolnikov is also consumed by guilt and paranoia after his crime, and he too suffers mentally as a result.
In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is the one who ultimately pushes Macbeth to commit murder, while in Crime and Punishment, it is Raskolnikov’s own inner turmoil that leads him to kill. Both Macbeth and Raskolnikov are eventually caught and punished for their crimes. Macbeth is killed in battle, while Raskolnikov spends years in prison before finally being redeemed.
Though they are different works of fiction, Macbeth and Crime and Punishment share many similarities in terms of themes and characters. Both works deal the idea of morality, and the consequences that come with breaking moral law. Macbeth and Raskolnikov are both driven to commit murder by their own personal demons, and both suffer greatly as a result of their crimes.
In the end, both Macbeth and Raskolnikov are punished for their deeds, though Macbeth’s punishment is much harsher than Raskolnikov’s. Ultimately, Macbeth and Crime and Punishment are two classic works of literature that continue to resonate with readers today.
Both Shakespeares Macbeth and Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment explore the psychological depths of man. Many philosophers’ existential ideas are used in these two works to depict tragedy as interpreted by existential theory. The notion that man can fulfill his own wants, regardless of social customs, if he has the energy and will to act is central to existentialist thought. Both Macbeth and Raskolnikov have the desire to act, but each battles with himself internally over his actions because they are afraid of what would happen if they were discovered.
Macbeth is haunted by his own Macbeth: A Comparison of Macbeth and Crime and Punishment conscience, killing those who get in his way to the throne, while Raskolnikov murders an old woman for her money, allowing him to live out his dream of becoming a great man. Although these two protagonists come from different works and time periods, they are both excellent examples of existentialist thought.
Both Macbeth and Raskolnikov are propelled by their ambition. For Macbeth, this means ascending to the throne of Scotland, no matter the cost. He is willing to kill anyone who gets in his way, including his friend Banquo and even his own wife. Macbeths ambition leads him to commit heinous crimes, all in the name of power.
Raskolnikov has a different ambition: to become a great man despite his humble beginnings. To do this, he believes he needs money and status, which is why he murders an old woman for her savings. Neither Macbeth nor Raskolnikov is willing to let anything stop them from achieving their goals, even if it means breaking the law.
Both Macbeth and Raskolnikov are also propelled by their fear. Macbeth is afraid of being caught for his crimes and being punished for them. This fear drives him to insanity, as he becomes paranoid that everyone is out to get him. He starts hearing voices and seeing visions, all of which convince him that he is in danger.
Raskolnikov is also afraid, but his fear is more internal. He is terrified of being caught and punished for his crime, but he is also afraid of what he has done. He struggles with his conscience, unable to forgive himself for the murder. His fear eventually drives him to confess, hoping for absolution.
Although Macbeth and Raskolnikov are very different characters, they both exemplify existentialist thought. They are driven by their ambition and their fear, two very powerful emotions. These emotions lead them to commit crimes, which then haunt them for the rest of their lives. Macbeth and Raskolnikov are two tragic characters who represent the dark side of man.
These pieces delve into the tragedy and repentance of Macbeth and Raskolnikov, but the notion of a driving force within each character is still apparent. Finally, William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment examine similar aspects of existentialism, which look at the thoughts and actions of the two protagonists. The existential idea remains obvious in these works. Existentialism has many themes, but one constant concern is that man satisfies himself by acting on his desires.
This is seen in Macbeth’s actions as he kills Duncan to fulfill his own ambition, and also in Raskolnikov’s crime as he murders the pawnbroker. Both characters feel remorse for their actions, but they are unable to escape the sense of guilt that consumes them. In the end, both Macbeth and Raskolnikov are driven by their own desires, which leads to their downfall.
Man’s ignorance and shallowness permeate human existence, generating anxiety, awe, and dejection (Moore & Bruder 503). And man is confronted with the most significant fact of human life: the need to determine how he will live in this ridiculous and illogical world. Macbeth makes use of a variety of existentialist ideas. Macbeth’s murder of Duncan to attain the crown displayed a rudimentary existentialist perspective in that he got rid of any roadblocks in order to achieve his goal.
Macbeths acts of atrocity are all committed while he is in a state of ignorance (Craig 255). Macbeth also crime and punishment. Macbeth had to commit many crimes to maintain his power and status, but the punishments he received were much harsher than those given to Prince Hamlet.
Macbeth was not only punished for his own crimes, but also for the crimes of his wife and Lady Macduff. Crime and punishment are two existential themes that are closely related. In order to live in an absurd world, one must be willing to accept responsibility for their actions. Macbeth chose not to do this, and as a result, he suffered greatly.
