How Is Macbeth Relevant Today

Good evening/afternoon and welcome to The Contemporary Relevance of the Bard Symposium. I’m Campbell Behan and the purpose of this Symposium today is to investigate the theme of power and how it is represented in Macbeth. William Shakespeare permeates almost all aspects of our society because of his views and observations of human nature with particular regard to how power is acquired and exercised. He is considered as the most popular playwright of English literature. Shakespeare explores multiple facets of human nature such as dark and twisted fields of love, betrayal and war. His plays are still relevant today because of his exploration of human flaws and strengths. Another theme that ties in with Shakespeare's views on human nature is the attraction of power. Many in our society are striving for greatness, yearning for more and more power. There are many modern figures who have become blinded by power and the idea of power. One of these modern figures is Osama Bin Laden. Bin Laden was given the power to do anything with his life. Yet he used his power for cruel and destructive …show more content…
In many ways, Macbeth's ambitions to gain power and also to keep power tested him mentally and physically. One could buy into the notion that Macbeth failed most of the tests that he faced. The first test starts to develop when the witches approach Macbeth. The second witch says, ‘All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor’ (p.36) and the third witch proclaims, ‘All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter’ (p.36). The predictions from the witches ultimately plant an idea Macbeth's feeble mind. After he is crowned thane of Cawdor he begins to ponder the idea of his reign as king. This idea of a higher power plays on Macbeth’s mind. Although Macbeth knows that the only way he can achieve this higher power is by killing king Duncan. At one stage, Macbeth sees a dagger floating in front of his