Although Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1606, and the play was set during the 11th century, many of the concepts and themes within the play are still relevant in the modern world. Contemporary politics around the globe still resonate with the themes of ambition, corruption and often-vicious competition depicted in Macbeth. Another psychological element we see at work both in the play and in modern day life is the power of suggestion and the tension between free will and fate – essentially, if an authority figure gives approval for a practice or opinion, then many in the population will follow obediently. And despite many of the world’s countries functioning as democracies, unlike Macbeth’s Scotland, the morality of individuals within politics
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Today’s range of political systems still includes dictatorships, plus fledgling democracies, and functioning democracies. A common theme throughout these political systems remains the influence of individual political ambition. At the start of the play Macbeth is Thane of Glamis, and as such is already in a low level of political power, who through treachery is able to rise to King of Scotland. His ambition is the driver of his devious actions: “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other – “. Similarly we see today junior politicians who through political cunning and scheming are able to quickly gain power and support to rise through the ranks. In non-democratic countries, this process can remain physically violent with opponents being imprisoned or assassinated, which is not dissimilar to the methods employed by Macbeth to gain the ultimate title. A strong motif of violence as a means of gaining power is clearly highlighted through the murders Macbeth commits and sanctions. Sadly, in many modern societies power and political status is similarly not determined by ability but through use of personal wealth or military …show more content…
Macbeth’s first encounter with the witches fuels his political ambition and in his mind justifies the drastic steps he takes to achieve his political goals. The witches’ prophecy predicts what Macbeth wishes to be his fate, and so believes that he has no choice over his actions, thus taking comfort in the eventual self-fulfilling prophecy: “[First Witch] All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! [Second Witch] All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! [Third Witch] All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!” Modern leaders have also used the power of suggestion to affect the mindset of their people, so that extreme actions are accepted simply because the leader has sanctioned them. Examples of this include the anti-Semitic campaign in Germany, the Stalinist purges in Russia, the Cultural Revolution in China, and the Khymer Rouge killing fields in Cambodia. Macbeth’s actions by both himself and Lady Macbeth feel justified because he has been manipulated by the witches and is fulfilling his
Today’s range of political systems still includes dictatorships, plus fledgling democracies, and functioning democracies. A common theme throughout these political systems remains the influence of individual political ambition. At the start of the play Macbeth is Thane of Glamis, and as such is already in a low level of political power, who through treachery is able to rise to King of Scotland. His ambition is the driver of his devious actions: “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other – “. Similarly we see today junior politicians who through political cunning and scheming are able to quickly gain power and support to rise through the ranks. In non-democratic countries, this process can remain physically violent with opponents being imprisoned or assassinated, which is not dissimilar to the methods employed by Macbeth to gain the ultimate title. A strong motif of violence as a means of gaining power is clearly highlighted through the murders Macbeth commits and sanctions. Sadly, in many modern societies power and political status is similarly not determined by ability but through use of personal wealth or military …show more content…
Macbeth’s first encounter with the witches fuels his political ambition and in his mind justifies the drastic steps he takes to achieve his political goals. The witches’ prophecy predicts what Macbeth wishes to be his fate, and so believes that he has no choice over his actions, thus taking comfort in the eventual self-fulfilling prophecy: “[First Witch] All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! [Second Witch] All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! [Third Witch] All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!” Modern leaders have also used the power of suggestion to affect the mindset of their people, so that extreme actions are accepted simply because the leader has sanctioned them. Examples of this include the anti-Semitic campaign in Germany, the Stalinist purges in Russia, the Cultural Revolution in China, and the Khymer Rouge killing fields in Cambodia. Macbeth’s actions by both himself and Lady Macbeth feel justified because he has been manipulated by the witches and is fulfilling his