Law of Neutrality
Kamakshi Bhargava
Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that every action causes a
simultaneous force with an equal and opposite reaction. This statement
forms the foundation for the belief that the universe naturally maintains
a state of neutrality. The tendency for the universe to maintain a steady
state in all aspects of its existence can be applied to “good and evil, life
and death” (“Law, Neutrality, and Chaos”). The fundamental concept
that “if one factor becomes ascendant over its opposite, the universe
becomes unbalanced” (“Law, Neutrality, and Chaos”) is an elemental
theme in the plot of Macbeth. By repeatedly showing opposing forces
forming partnerships, Shakespeare communicates that the universe
attempts to remain in everlasting neutrality and that disturbance to
the natural balance causes chaos and/or evil to ensue.
The importance of the balance between opposing forces to maintain
neutrality in all aspects of nature cannot be overstated, for it is the
foundation of life. Macbeth was written during the Renaissance, when
Christian people were united in fundamental beliefs about God. God
was seen as the ultimate embodiment of natural balance, for “He made
man—male and female—in His own image” (Renaissance Church),
representing duality. God’s manifestation of the supreme balance
communicates the acceptance in a Christian society that all events and
bodies are brought together to create an equilibrium of forces.
In addition to the laws of physics and basic Christian doctrine, the
history of Europe also provides context for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In
the view of Christianity popular—and indeed formalized as a sacrament
in the Church—in the Middle Ages, married couples are joined under
the eyes of God, with the requirement of His blessing, via a priest. In
Renaissance society, where Christian religion played a principle role in
determining life goals and morals, this marital blessing by God held
great importance. Thus, by having Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who
This paper was written for Megan Downey’s sophomore English
class in the spring of 2014.
