Part 3: Sloth and Wrath

Yet Macbeth’s confrontation with sloth is equally debatable. This laziness does not only relate to “lounging around” and being not particularly contributive; sloth also has to do with not utilizing the skills God has given you to your full potential. This is where Macbeth falls into sin; before told of the prophecies, he was a good man who used his bravery to help better Scotland under Duncan’s rule. It is after giving into his greed that he stops using his abilities to help and does nothing to contribute to his country. The Divine Comedy would describe Macbeth’s indulgence of sloth, as turning his back on his potential; this would lead him to the consequence of having to endure gurgling underneath the infamous river in hell, River Styx.

Along the banks of the River Styx is where sinners of Wrath, or anger must stay. Macbeth’s wrath comes with his quest to become King. He is angered when he learns of Malcolm being labeled as the Prince of Cumberland and feels he must act violently to obtain what he believes is his. The act of murder, which Macbeth commits, is in itself a sin, but was always fueled by Macbeth’s wrath to ensure the prophecies did not come true. His hatred of whoever opposed him resulted in the death of people who were once his friends. Therefore, if Macbeth did not succumb to his own wrath, then he might have been able to spare the lives of close friends and acquaintances like Banquo. For his wrathful ways, Macbeth must endure lashing out at others like him, furious and naked forever in accordance to the Divine Comedy.