William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a masterpiece of tragedy, exploring themes of ambition, guilt, and the supernatural. One of the most poignant lines in the play occurs in Act 2, Scene 2, where Lady Macbeth speaks of the “compunctious visitings of nature.” This phrase encapsulates a profound psychological and moral concept that is central to the play’s exploration of human nature and conscience. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of “compunctious visitings of nature,” its significance in Macbeth, and its broader implications.
The Context of the Phrase
In Act 2, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth, having just participated in the murder of King Duncan, expresses her feelings of remorse and horror. She says:
“These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad.
But this my hand will rather
The multitudinous seas in incarnadine,
Making the green one red.”
(Act 2, Scene 2)
Later, Macbeth reflects on the murder and is haunted by what he has done. Lady Macbeth, attempting to soothe him, says:
“Consider it not so deeply.”
(Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 2)
This line, “compunctious visitings of nature,” refers to the natural, inherent feelings of guilt and remorse that arise in humans when they commit acts that go against their moral compass. The phrase can be broken down into two parts: “compunctious” means feeling regret or remorse, and “visitings of nature” refers to the natural human conscience or moral sense.
The Meaning of “Compunctious Visitings of Nature”
1. Guilt and Conscience
The “compunctious visitings of nature” signify the internal struggle between guilt and conscience. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, having committed regicide, are immediately confronted by the haunting reality of their actions. This phrase reflects the innate moral code that all humans possess, which acts as a deterrent against wrongdoing. Shakespeare uses this concept to highlight the inevitability of guilt and its powerful impact on the human psyche.
2. The Human Condition
By incorporating the idea of “compunctious visitings of nature,” Shakespeare explores the complexity of the human condition. The phrase underscores the struggle between human nature and ambition. Macbeth’s ascent to power through murder is juxtaposed with the natural human response to such acts, which is remorse and horror. This tension is central to the tragedy, as Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s moral conflict drives the narrative towards its devastating conclusion.
3. The Supernatural Influence
In Macbeth, the supernatural elements play a crucial role in influencing the characters’ actions. The “compunctious visitings of nature” are also a reminder of the natural order disrupted by the witches’ prophecies. This disruption leads Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to forsake their moral integrity in pursuit of power. The phrase thus highlights the contrast between the unnatural deeds they commit and the natural consequences they face.
The Broader Implications in Macbeth
1. The Descent into Madness
The “compunctious visitings of nature” are a precursor to the psychological unraveling of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth, initially resolute in his actions, becomes increasingly tormented by guilt. His hallucinations and paranoia, such as seeing Banquo’s ghost, are manifestations of his disturbed conscience. Lady Macbeth, too, is not spared, as her attempts to suppress her guilt lead to sleepwalking and madness. This descent into madness illustrates the destructive power of guilt and the inevitability of moral retribution.
2. The Theme of Ambition vs. Morality
Shakespeare uses the concept of “compunctious visitings of nature” to emphasize the conflict between ambition and morality. Macbeth’s ambition drives him to murder Duncan, but his inherent sense of guilt and morality eventually overpower his will to rule. This struggle is central to the play’s message, highlighting the futility of forsaking one’s moral compass for the sake of ambition.
3. The Tragic Flaw
Macbeth’s tragic flaw, his unchecked ambition, is directly linked to the “compunctious visitings of nature.” His initial hesitation and subsequent guilt illustrate the human tendency to struggle with ethical dilemmas. Lady Macbeth’s encouragement to suppress these feelings reveals her own internal conflict and the tragic consequences of her actions. The phrase underscores the inevitability of their downfall, driven by their failure to reconcile their ambitions with their moral instincts.
The phrase “compunctious visitings of nature” in Macbeth encapsulates the profound exploration of guilt, conscience, and human nature. Shakespeare masterfully uses this concept to deepen the tragedy of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, highlighting the inescapable consequences of their actions. As readers, we are invited to reflect on the delicate balance between ambition and morality, and the enduring power of the human conscience. This line remains a powerful reminder of the moral complexities that define the human experience, making Macbeth a timeless exploration of the darker aspects of the human soul.