Ivianni Y. Castillo
British Literature Honors
Mrs. Rosario
November 24, 2015 John Steinbeck once said, “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts… perhaps the fear of a loss of power.” This quote exemplifies a major theme in William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, which is Macbeth’s fear of not being able to obtain the powers he is said to have. The thought of being king corrupts his mind and soul, leading to his downfall. This play portrays a well known and loved soldier, whose thoughts and actions become demonized with the influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth, and three, mysterious, sister witches. However, Macbeth’s ambition for power and pride take control over his goodhearted soul. Macbeth’s pride is influenced by the three sister witches. …show more content…
Macbeth’s ambition for power becomes more prominent when Lady Macbeth denounces his manhood. When she receives a letter, wherein Macbeth articulates his interaction with the three witches, she fears that Macbeth’s benevolence will prevent him from being able to acquire the power of a King. She automatically decides to persuade and talk him out of anything that will keep him from acquiring power. Without the convincing and forceful attitude of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth may have not killed Duncan. In order to convince Macbeth to go through with the plan she insults him by …show more content…
After killing Duncan, Macbeth goes insane saying, “From this moment/ The very firstlings of my heart shall be/ The firstlings of my hand.” (IV, 1, 147-149) To avoid any second thoughts Macbeth would immediately act upon the first thing that comes to mind, secure his power. Macbeth considers himself to be invincible and unbeatable, which allows his evil nature to fully control his actions. Macbeth lives a deteriorated life, even Young Siward says, “The devil himself could not pronounce a title/ More hateful to mine ear.” (V, 7, 9-10) Therefore, while Macbeth did not have complete control in the very beginning of the play he still acted all on his own will. As time progressed, Macbeth allowed nothing to stand in his
British Literature Honors
Mrs. Rosario
November 24, 2015 John Steinbeck once said, “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts… perhaps the fear of a loss of power.” This quote exemplifies a major theme in William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, which is Macbeth’s fear of not being able to obtain the powers he is said to have. The thought of being king corrupts his mind and soul, leading to his downfall. This play portrays a well known and loved soldier, whose thoughts and actions become demonized with the influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth, and three, mysterious, sister witches. However, Macbeth’s ambition for power and pride take control over his goodhearted soul. Macbeth’s pride is influenced by the three sister witches. …show more content…
Macbeth’s ambition for power becomes more prominent when Lady Macbeth denounces his manhood. When she receives a letter, wherein Macbeth articulates his interaction with the three witches, she fears that Macbeth’s benevolence will prevent him from being able to acquire the power of a King. She automatically decides to persuade and talk him out of anything that will keep him from acquiring power. Without the convincing and forceful attitude of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth may have not killed Duncan. In order to convince Macbeth to go through with the plan she insults him by …show more content…
After killing Duncan, Macbeth goes insane saying, “From this moment/ The very firstlings of my heart shall be/ The firstlings of my hand.” (IV, 1, 147-149) To avoid any second thoughts Macbeth would immediately act upon the first thing that comes to mind, secure his power. Macbeth considers himself to be invincible and unbeatable, which allows his evil nature to fully control his actions. Macbeth lives a deteriorated life, even Young Siward says, “The devil himself could not pronounce a title/ More hateful to mine ear.” (V, 7, 9-10) Therefore, while Macbeth did not have complete control in the very beginning of the play he still acted all on his own will. As time progressed, Macbeth allowed nothing to stand in his