Corruption In Macbeth Essay

The meaning for a tragedy is to have some sort of event alter or demise the ending of a long time achievement or goal. When thinking of a tragedy, Macbeth is one of the characters that comes to mind when reading Macbeth written by Shakespeare. Corruption is an ongoing theme that is seen throughout the play and it seems that Macbeth cannot break loose of corruption. Macbeth is corrupted by the prophecies he is given by the witches and from the idea of grasping the throne when he is already so close to gaining it. Although some may say that Lady Macbeth or the witches are to blame for the ending result of the play, it is obvious to see that Macbeth’s flaws lead to the tragedy because of his abusive power, his indecisiveness, and the fear of the …show more content…
The will to want a higher power excites these characters and makes them believe that they truly can achieve the position in society they want. In Macbeth, Macbeth wants the power and role of king. When he is told the prophecies by the witches, he states “Glamis, and thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind.Thanks for your pains” (Shakespeare I.iii.118-120),in this quote it shows that Macbeth starts to get an obsession when the prophecies come true. Macbeth is consistent to have some sort of power making it addictive and abusive. When Banquo says “O treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou may ’st revenge —O slave!” (Shakespeare III.iii.19-21), this quote shows that Macbeth felt so threatened from Banquo that he had to kill him in order to keep his position on the throne. This shows Macbeth’s urge for power and his brutality when he uses it. Another example in the play, is at the end when Malcolm’s troops come to his castle. Macbeth barricades himself in his castle while he expects his soldiers to fight to defend him. This shows not his obsession for power, but his abuse of it. He treats his soldiers poorly and expects them to risk their lives for him while giving them nothing in return. While Malcolm is respectful of his troops and they are willing to raid the castle to betray the king and to make peace back in their country’s land getting rid of …show more content…
For instance Macbeth is a character that portrays this well. Macbeth loves the idea of power, but did not at first when deciding whether or not to kill Duncan. After Macbeth kills Duncan, he states “... who can be wise and astounded, calm and furious, loyal and neutral, all at the same time? Nobody.” ( 2.3.119-120). This quote shows not only that Macbeth is hypocritical, but also that he is indecisive when the idea of killing the king comes to him. Macbeth is able to be all of these things, but yet says in this quote no one can be both. Macbeth’s indecisiveness shined through when he tried to decide whether he should or should not kill the king, and whether he should feel bad or embrace his killing. Another example of Macbeth’s indecisiveness is when the witches give Macbeth the prophecies and he states “Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme. I thank you, gentlemen. This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good. (Shakespeare I.iii.130-135). This shows Macbeth’s indecisiveness because he is contradicting whether the prophecies will be good or bad for the future. He goes back and forth with whether it will ruin him, and make him king. This indecisiveness will lead to his downfall and everyone else around him that supports him like his wife Lady Macbeth that urges him to obtain the throne. The last example of Macbeth’s