where Macbeth’s thoughts are no longer governed by reason but by fear and insecurity. His decision to arrange Banquo’s murder marks a turning point in his character, as he now acts independently without persuasion, suggesting that power has altered his moral boundaries. The appearance of Banquo’s ghost at the banquet, where Macbeth cries “never shake thy gory locks at me,” externalises his inner guilt and fractured state of mind. Shakespeare blurs the line between reality and hallucination here,