In Macbeth, there are many different bonds that are broken which eventually lead to chaos. Shakespeare demonstrates how when the bonds are intact between characters, there is peace, however when these bonds are broken it leads to chaos. This is demonstrated in the cases of Macbeth and Banquo, Macbeth and King Duncan, and finally Macbeth and Malcolm.

Act 3, Scene 1, Lines 33 to 39Macbeth: We hear, our bloody cousins are bestow’dIn English and in Ireland, not confessing Their cruel parricide, filling their hearersWith strange invention: but of that to-morrow,When therewithal we shall have cause of stateCraving us jointly. Hie you to horse: adieu, Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?  This quote occurs as Macbeth is quizzing Banquo about where he and his son will be

riding, pretending that he is his friend. However he then sends men to kill Banquo and his son, because he believes that Banquo suspects his terrible crime. This leads to chaos seeing as Fleance, Banquo’s son escapes, making it known that Banquo was murdered and putting Macbeth under suspicion. Macbeth also struggles seeing as he then constantly sees the ghost of his once best friend, which drives him mad with guilt and makes him appear crazy infront of everyone.

Act , Scene, Lines Macbeth:It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight,If it find heaven, must find it out to-night.

Macbeth is so concerned with his legacy as king that he is driven to kill both father and son to insure his

Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 50 to 54Macbeth:The rest is labour, which is not used for you;I’ll be myself the harbinger, and make joyfulThe hearing of my wife with your approach;So humbly take my leave.  This occurs as Macbeth has just returned from battle, and seeing

as Duncan is delighted with Macbeth’s performance he invites himself to Macbeth’s castle. Macbeth graciously accepts, and acts quite loyal towards Duncan. However he then kills Duncan in his sleep, making him the king. This causes chaos seeing as Macbeth soon becomes a prime suspect in the murder, as well as he is driven mad by guilt.

Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 28 to 29Macbeth:The worm that’s fledHath nature that in time will venom breed

This occurs when Macbeth goes to sit at the head of the royal table but finds the ghost of Duncan sitting in his place. Shocked Macbeth begins to talk to the ghost in front of all the guests, so Lady Macbeth tries to convince the guests that Macbeth is just having one of his “visions” when really he is going crazy from the guilt and paranoia.

Act 2, Scene 3, Lines 139 to 143Donalbain:What should be spoken here, Where our fate. Hid in an auger-hole, may rush, and seize us?Let’s away;Our tears are net yet brew’d.  This quote demonstrates how Malcolm and Donalbain are afraid for

their lives and therefore flee the country, making Macbeth king. However this causes chaos when Malcolm is convinced by Macduff to return home and after the bonds with Macbeth have been broken, to kill him and take back what rightfully belongs to him.

Act 4 Scene 3 Lines 274-279This tune goes manly.Come, go we to the king; our power is ready;Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth is ripe for shaking, and the powers abovePut on their instruments. Receive what cheer you may; the night is long that never finds the day.

This quote demonstrates how Macduff convinces Malcolm to return to Scotland and claim the throne that is rightfully his, which leads to chaos for Macbeth seeing as he is killed.

As demonstrated in the play Macbeth when relations between characters are strained it can lead to disorder and chaos within a society.