The Struggle For Power In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

In life, power is a dangerous tool. Some people are able to obtain it and help others around them, but more often it distorts people’s minds as they strive for more. Throughout history, leaders have destroyed the lives of others in order to gain power. While power doesn’t change people, because people do not often change, it can bring out an unconscious personality that one didn’t even know they had. Ambition is a desire that goes along with power. The ambition to receive more can often cause anxiety and pressure if everything is not going perfectly. In Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is a character whose ambition for the kingship destroys him and his wife. As he lies and murders his way to the top, he becomes a new person. While …show more content…
When Macbeth beats Macdonwald in a harsh battle, Duncan praises him for his valiance. Macbeth is first introduced when the Captain is describing the brave way he fought against the enemy, he says, “For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name—Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valor’s minion carved out his passage Till he faced the slave;”. To the people of Scotland, Macbeth is seen as the hero. He heroically fights, and wins, battles against the most hated enemies of Norway. Macbeth is first heard about as the Captain recalls his gallant battle. Because of this, the preliminary impression of Macbeth is that he is a capable warrior. When one thinks of soldiers, they are thought to be honorable and altruistic as they are risking their lives for the better of their country. In this case, that is how Macbeth is first perceived. As a result of Macbeth’s braveness, Duncan refers to him as a kinsmen, demonstrating the close relationship between them. Duncan believes that him and Macbeth are as close as family. Little does he know, that this relationship will soon change. Duncan is naive as he cannot see past Macbeth’s warrior status and see his true ambitions. Once Macbeth is given the prophecies about his future and the first prophecy becomes true, his ambitions are revealed. As Macbeth and Banquo are walking, they …show more content…
Throughout all of Scotland, Macbeth is seen as a tyrant causing Thanes to flee and Malcolm and Macduff to discuss his autocracy. As a result of the distress Macbeth has put Scotland in, Thanes and citizens of Scotland flee in order to ensure their safety and pursue better lives. Macbeth has become such a dishonorable person that people who once loved Scotland feel the need to leave it. A man who once was respected has shown a new side of him. He became so addicted to power and as a result feels the need to keep going after more and more instead of being happy with what he has. Macbeth’s unruly and oppressive rule has made him into a hated man throughout all of Europe. When Macduff is trying to convince Malcolm to take over the kingship of Scotland he says, “This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, Was once thought honest.” They remember why people once loved Macbeth and thought of him as honest man. Macbeth even once seemed like he would be a good thing. Little did Malcolm and Macduff know, that Macbeth had this hidden personality within him that would make him so power hungry. In stressful and trying situations, Macbeth displays traits and attitudes that he had once had when he was a valiant man. As a result of the stress and pressure Lady Macbeth feels due to the murders, she kills herself. When Lady Macbeth jumps to her