Corruption and Power in Macbeth Essay - 775 Words

Personal power has the ability to be essential to greatness, and at the same time is able to destroy a persons nature. In the drama Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the main character, Macbeth, becomes corrupt through power that he gains. The play shows that even someone who starts out like Macbeth and does not crave power, will do terrible things to gain authority and power. The play begins with the characters King Duncan and Malcolm talking about a good and hardy soldier (Act I: ii: 4). This man they are talking about is the stories protagonist, Macbeth. Macbeth is a good soldier who is devoted to his king. Then, Macbeth and his friend come across three witches who prophecy Macbeths future, hailing him as one day becoming King.†¦show more content†¦After Duncans murder, Macbeth realizes that the witches prophecy about him becoming king has come true, and he feels that it is his destiny to be the king of Scotland. Macbeth begins to believe in everything the witches say . Macbeth, however, does not want to risk giving up his crown to the son of Banquo like the prophecy said. Thus, Macbeth hires three murderers to kill both Banquo and his son. He tells the hired murderers to leave no rubs nor botches in the work . (Act III: ii: 133). By having both men killed, no one will be in line to take the crown from Macbeth, and he will secure his position has king. Macbeth learns that Banquos son, Fleance, has escaped the murderers and fled into a safe county, so he turns to the final opposition to his reign as king. Macbeth hears that Macduff is plotting a way to seek revenge for Duncan. Macbeth then plans for the organized death of all of Macduffs family. Macbeth is using whatever means necessary to destroy all opposition to his power, and is trying his absolute hardest to stay in control of his own destiny. Macbeth goes so far as to kill the entire family of Macduff to try to keep Macduff out of the affairs. In the final act of self-preservation, Macbeth holds off a offensive raid led by Macduff. Macbeth is absolutely fearless in this battle because of the witches prophecy that, no woman of man shall harm Macbeth (Act IV: i: 80-81). This trust heShow MoreRelatedCorruption of Power - Macbeth1801 Words   |  8 PagesShakespeare’s bloody and tragic play Macbeth, written in the seventeenth century, portrays blind ambition, appearances can be deceiving and corruption of power. It follows the reasons behind Macbeth’s downfall. The play analyzes how other outside forces can easily change the path of ones desires and decisions. The witches’ intrusion, Lady Macbeth’s manipulation and Macbeth’s dark desires all interfere and manipulate Macbeth’s decisions. He goes from being praised as a noble soldier to a traitor andRead More Corruption and Power in Macbeth Essay754 Words   |  4 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Personal power has the ability to be essential to greatness, and at the sam e time is able to destroy a person’s nature. In the drama Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the main character, Macbeth, becomes corrupt through power that he gains. The play shows that even someone who starts out like Macbeth and does not crave power, will do terrible things to gain authority and power. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The play begins with the characters King Duncan and Malcolm talkingRead MoreComparison Of Power And Corruption In Macbeth1105 Words   |  5 Pagesabout how power and corruption and how they correspond. Power is authority, respect, dominance, and most of all, power is control. Corruption is evil, profane, impious, impure, and most of all, corruption are wicked. 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