Temptation

Definition

Temptation refers to the desire to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment that threatens long-term goals. This concept often manifests in various forms, including moral, spiritual, and ethical challenges. In literature, and specifically in the works of Shakespeare, temptation is a recurring motif that highlights human struggles with sin, desire, and moral integrity, often reflecting biblical themes of testing and moral conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In many of Shakespeare's plays, characters face temptations that lead to their moral downfall or significant inner conflict, illustrating the human condition.
2. Biblical references to temptation often appear in Shakespeare’s work, such as the serpent in the Garden of Eden or Christ’s temptation in the wilderness, showcasing his awareness of religious narratives.
3. Temptation is closely tied to themes of ambition and desire; characters like Macbeth show how yielding to temptation can lead to tragic consequences.
4. The struggle with temptation reflects a larger commentary on free will and the capacity for choice in human behavior, as seen in characters’ decisions throughout Shakespeare's plays.
5. Shakespeare often uses temptation to explore themes of guilt and conscience, showing how characters grapple with their choices and the repercussions they face.

Review Questions

• How does Shakespeare portray the theme of temptation in relation to character development and moral choices?
  • Shakespeare uses temptation as a crucial element in character development, allowing audiences to witness the internal conflicts faced by his characters. For instance, Macbeth's ambition leads him to be tempted into committing regicide, which not only shapes his character but also reflects his moral decline. Through this portrayal, Shakespeare emphasizes how succumbing to temptation can result in devastating consequences, highlighting the struggle between one's desires and ethical beliefs.
• In what ways do biblical motifs influence Shakespeare's depiction of temptation in his plays?
  • Biblical motifs serve as a significant influence on Shakespeare's depiction of temptation. By incorporating stories such as Adam and Eve's fall or Christ’s trials, Shakespeare contextualizes his characters’ struggles within a larger moral framework. These biblical references not only enrich the narrative but also elevate the stakes of temptation by linking them to concepts of sin and redemption found in religious texts. This connection enhances the audience's understanding of the weight of characters' choices.
• Evaluate how the theme of temptation in Shakespeare's works reflects broader societal issues during his time period.
  • The theme of temptation in Shakespeare's works acts as a mirror to broader societal issues such as ambition, power dynamics, and moral integrity during the Renaissance. By showcasing characters grappling with temptations related to authority or personal gain, Shakespeare critiques societal norms that prioritize success over virtue. This evaluation reveals how the tension between individual desires and societal expectations creates a complex landscape where morality is tested, reflecting both personal and collective struggles during a time of significant change.

Related terms

Sin: An act that goes against divine law or moral principles, often seen as a result of giving in to temptation.

Redemption:

The act of being saved from sin, error, or evil, often achieved through repentance or divine intervention.

Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards, often seen as the opposite of temptation in the struggle between good and evil.