Corruption Of Power In Macbeth

In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth’s actions are driven by a desire for power, and he seeks to gain power over others. Shakespeare uses this to address questions about the inescapability of fate and to show the reader the corruption of power. The play begins by showing the reader that Macbeth is a fearsome warrior who has slaughtered many men in battle for King Duncan. As a gift for his skills, Duncan gives Macbeth more land and another title. Leaving the battle, he is met by three witches, who tell him that he will become king after King Duncan. His friend Banquo also receives a prophecy; that his children will hold the throne for generations down the line. Macbeth is morally torn by his desire to become king and his unwillingness to commit treason. …show more content…
However, now he becomes worried about losing the power he finally achieved. He orders his friend Banquo to be killed, as well as Banquo’s son, in an attempt to avoid the prophecy saying that Banquo’s line will continue as kings. He becomes more and more distanced from killing people, especially those that oppose or question him. Macduff, another lord, is starting to raise people up against Macbeth’s tyranny. In response, Macbeth coldly orders that Macduff’s wife and children be killed. Macduff is heartbroken, and swears to kill Macbeth and end his reign. This shows Macbeth’s progression from being unwilling to kill to having no qualms slaughtering an innocent family while the man of the house is away. Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth becomes sick and dies, and Macbeth states that he can no longer feel anything like remorse because he has killed so many people, that even his wife’s death does not affect him. Another part of the prophecy tells that no man born of woman can kill Macbeth, and so he believes himself invincible in his power despite his paranoia. Macduff, being born unnaturally of a C-section, kills Macbeth and his reign finally