The guilt in «Macbeth» and «La vida es sueño»

Abstract

The following research introduces an analysis about the guilt in the characters of Macbeth (Shakespeare, Macbeth) and Basilio (Calderón de la Barca, La vida es sueño). The shame, in order to be absolutely assumed, should be the result of free decisions taken by the subject, therefore, in both Works should be considered the influence of external elements on the characters, as for example, the witches in Macbeth and the stars in La vida es sueño. This also leads to a reflection on responsibility, freedom and consciousness in both characters. The comparative regards the analysis of the external elements and its influence on the events in the works, the two different manners of dealing with guilt, which leads, in one case, to the destruction of the character, and in the other case, to his redemption.

Keywords

• culpa
• consciencia
• remordimiento
• orden
• caos
• perdón