Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s well-renowned plays that centralizes on a king’s struggle with guilt and, ultimately, the road to his demise. Although Macbeth was known for being a man of bravery and honor, Shakespeare utilized a plethora of literary devices to showcase that his ambition had overcome his state of mind. In Macbeth, Shakespeare used strong dynamic characters, significant motifs, and powerful soliloquies to develop the theme that the ultimate desire for power has the capability to tempt even the most noble men to be driven to corruption. To begin with, Shakespeare uses a strong dynamic character to develop the theme that the desire for power can cause noble men to become corrupt. In Act 1, Macbeth concluded that the key to the
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He revealed, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other -” (1.7.25-28). This statement portrays Macbeth as diffident and hesitant, as he doubts that his ambition is enough for him to continue with the plan. These qualities serve as a basis for comparison. This sets a kind of foundation for which his upcoming transformations in character - which gradually shifts to satisfy his need for dominance - can be built upon. One example of these changes occur soon after Macbeth gains his kingship status. Around this time, Macduff had fled to England, and Macbeth saw this as an instance of a missed opportunity to eliminate Macduff - as he viewed Macduff as a hinderance to Macbeth’s possible ultimate possession of power. In Act 4, he claims that he would act on first intentions and no longer postpone any of his plans. He concludes, “From this …show more content…
Betrayal is one motif is used in multiple situations. In one example, Macbeth proves to be disloyal to his wife’s trust by underhandedly planning Banquo’s murder without her aware of this scheme. In Act 3, he says to Lady Macbeth, “Let your remembrance apply to Banquo; Present him eminence, both eye and tongue” (3.2.33-34). Although he plans to have Banquo executed, Macbeth goes on to misguide Lady Macbeth to prepare to welcome Banquo at the banquet. The fact that the boundaries of their trust and their tell-all style in their relationship has changed reveals that Macbeth has made re-evaluated his priorities; He seems to value the drive for power over the importance of loyalty in his relationship with his wife. This directly ties in with the development of the theme, as his corruption led him to contradict the morals of his relationship - one entire aspect of his life - in order to satisfy his need for power. Also, manipulation is another recurring motif that aids in developing the theme. It is most evident in the prophecies of the weird sisters. After they revealed to Macbeth that he will become the king, he soon becomes immersed in this thought. He soon realizes that the prophecy will not be accomplished on its own, and concludes that he will do whatever is
He revealed, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other -” (1.7.25-28). This statement portrays Macbeth as diffident and hesitant, as he doubts that his ambition is enough for him to continue with the plan. These qualities serve as a basis for comparison. This sets a kind of foundation for which his upcoming transformations in character - which gradually shifts to satisfy his need for dominance - can be built upon. One example of these changes occur soon after Macbeth gains his kingship status. Around this time, Macduff had fled to England, and Macbeth saw this as an instance of a missed opportunity to eliminate Macduff - as he viewed Macduff as a hinderance to Macbeth’s possible ultimate possession of power. In Act 4, he claims that he would act on first intentions and no longer postpone any of his plans. He concludes, “From this …show more content…
Betrayal is one motif is used in multiple situations. In one example, Macbeth proves to be disloyal to his wife’s trust by underhandedly planning Banquo’s murder without her aware of this scheme. In Act 3, he says to Lady Macbeth, “Let your remembrance apply to Banquo; Present him eminence, both eye and tongue” (3.2.33-34). Although he plans to have Banquo executed, Macbeth goes on to misguide Lady Macbeth to prepare to welcome Banquo at the banquet. The fact that the boundaries of their trust and their tell-all style in their relationship has changed reveals that Macbeth has made re-evaluated his priorities; He seems to value the drive for power over the importance of loyalty in his relationship with his wife. This directly ties in with the development of the theme, as his corruption led him to contradict the morals of his relationship - one entire aspect of his life - in order to satisfy his need for power. Also, manipulation is another recurring motif that aids in developing the theme. It is most evident in the prophecies of the weird sisters. After they revealed to Macbeth that he will become the king, he soon becomes immersed in this thought. He soon realizes that the prophecy will not be accomplished on its own, and concludes that he will do whatever is