Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds to their deaf pillow will discharge their secrets

Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds to their deaf pillow will discharge their secrets

In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the character Lady Macbeth utters the famous line, "Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds to their deaf pillow will discharge their secrets." This quote encapsulates the central theme of the play, which is the consequences of committing immoral and unethical acts.

Lady Macbeth is referring to the murder of King Duncan, which she and her husband Macbeth have orchestrated in order to seize power. The act of regicide is considered unnatural because it goes against the natural order of things, where kings are meant to be respected and protected. By committing this heinous act, Lady Macbeth believes that they have invited trouble and chaos into their lives.

The idea that unnatural deeds breed unnatural troubles is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's works. In many of his plays, characters who engage in deceit, treachery, and murder often face dire consequences. This reflects Shakespeare's belief in the concept of cosmic justice, where immoral actions will inevitably lead to suffering and downfall.

The second part of Lady Macbeth's quote, "Infected minds to their deaf pillow will discharge their secrets," speaks to the guilt and torment that plagues those who commit evil deeds. Lady Macbeth herself is consumed by guilt and paranoia after the murder of King Duncan, and she is unable to find peace even in sleep. The image of secrets being discharged onto a deaf pillow suggests that the burden of guilt will weigh heavily on the conscience of the wrongdoer, even in moments of rest.

Overall, Shakespeare's exploration of the consequences of immoral actions in Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of ambition and greed. The quote "Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds to their deaf pillow will discharge their secrets" serves as a reminder that the choices we make have far-reaching consequences, and that true peace can only be found through honesty and integrity.