Driven by individual ambition and the determination to fulfil their inner desires, people often strive to obtain everything they could possibly want and subsequently end up with nothing of true value. This concept is thoroughly explored in contrast between both Macbeth and Citizen Kane through the story of both protagonists. While it is true that both Macbeth and Charles Kane are portrayed in two vastly contrasted settings, the similarities and differences in their stories are evidently demonstrated. The common elements of both stories are illustrated in various ways. Initially, when both protagonists are strongly influenced by ambition to obtain power and wealth, contrary to genuine recognition. Furthermore, when they sacrifice their moral
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Kane, having lost ‘Rosebud’ after being sent away as a child and being deprived of the environment in which he was truly happy and loved, attempts to retrieve it by gaining recognition and influence through his newspaper. He gains the wealth and popularity that he desires, but through unconventional means such as obtaining the entire team of an opposing newspaper and also placing misleading information in his own. He asserts that people will think “what I tell them to think”, and utilises a lot of his power for his own purposes. A prime example of this is the utilisation of both his wealth and influence to fund and publicise Susan Alexander’s singing career. Although Susan is only an amateur singer who has neither the ability nor desire to become a professional, Kane still funds her training and performances while also providing falsely positive coverage of her in his newspapers. Susan protests “I'm through. I never wanted to do it in the first place.” However, Charles only responds with “You will continue with your singing, Susan. I don’t propose to have myself made ridiculous.” In this way, Kane paradoxically attempts to use his wealth and influence to gain Susan’s love for him, but neglects to love her himself. Whereas Macbeth betrays his own moral integrity to impulsively obtain what he
Kane, having lost ‘Rosebud’ after being sent away as a child and being deprived of the environment in which he was truly happy and loved, attempts to retrieve it by gaining recognition and influence through his newspaper. He gains the wealth and popularity that he desires, but through unconventional means such as obtaining the entire team of an opposing newspaper and also placing misleading information in his own. He asserts that people will think “what I tell them to think”, and utilises a lot of his power for his own purposes. A prime example of this is the utilisation of both his wealth and influence to fund and publicise Susan Alexander’s singing career. Although Susan is only an amateur singer who has neither the ability nor desire to become a professional, Kane still funds her training and performances while also providing falsely positive coverage of her in his newspapers. Susan protests “I'm through. I never wanted to do it in the first place.” However, Charles only responds with “You will continue with your singing, Susan. I don’t propose to have myself made ridiculous.” In this way, Kane paradoxically attempts to use his wealth and influence to gain Susan’s love for him, but neglects to love her himself. Whereas Macbeth betrays his own moral integrity to impulsively obtain what he