A. The Relationship between the Values of Discipline in Macbeth
a. Self-Control
Relevant scene:
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Act 1, Scene 7 – Macbeth’s soliloquy before murdering King Duncan.
Macbeth is fully aware that killing Duncan is morally wrong and politically dangerous; however, he fails to restrain his ambition.
“I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition…” (Shakespeare, 1606/2015)
Interpretation:
This moment demonstrates that Macbeth possesses moral awareness but lacks self-control when ambition overwhelms rational judgment. His inner conflict reflects a failure of discipline, where desire overrides ethical reasoning. According to Bloom (2010), Shakespeare portrays ambition not as inherently evil, but as destructive when it is unchecked by moral self-regulation.
b. Moral Discipline
Relevant scene:
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Banquo in Act 1, Scene 3 – Responding to the witches’ prophecies.
Unlike Macbeth, Banquo responds cautiously and critically to the supernatural predictions.
“The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s
In deepest consequence.” (Shakespeare, 1606/2015)
Interpretation:
Banquo exemplifies moral discipline through critical thinking and restraint. He recognizes the deceptive nature of temptation and refuses to act unethically to gain power. This aligns with ethical discipline as defined by Ryan and Deci (2000), where self-regulation is guided by internal moral values rather than external rewards.
c. Responsibility and Accountability
Relevant scene:
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Macduff in Act 4 and Act 5 – After learning that his family has been murdered.
“Sinful Macduff,
They were all struck for thee!” (Act 4, Scene 3)
Interpretation:
Macduff openly acknowledges his moral responsibility for his family’s death and does not shift blame onto others. His response reflects accountability and a commitment to corrective action. As Greenblatt (2005) notes, Macduff functions as a moral counterweight to Macbeth, demonstrating that ethical responsibility is central to just leadership.
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