Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a condemnatory representation of the aspects and trials of a declining leader, the reasoning behind a leader’s failure, and the fatal steps one takes that will prevent success. Shakespeare’s portrayal of Macbeth conveys the downsides of a tyrannous leader through his negative traits which resembles the political speakers and leaders of modern times. To emphasize the involvement and effectiveness of modern political figures, writers such as Machiavelli revel on the qualities of a leader that lead to public unity, prosperity, and safety. Recent studies also describe the benefits of leaders who are self-aware, have developed interpersonal skills, able to assess situations clearly and rationally, and are motivated towards
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Macbeth’s uncertainty first began with his hope to not let his “black and deep desires” (Shakespeare 1.4.58) consume his mind after his prophecy foreshadowed Duncan’s murder. This initial feeling translated to his later guilt when talking to Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth, being paranoid, comments, “wake Duncan with thy knocking” (2.3.94), to emphasize his regret in putting Duncan to rest. His guilt beginning to fill his mind with “scorpions” (3.2.41), his mental and emotional instability leads him to killing Banquo in order to retain his kingship. The remorse of Banquo’s death is evident in Macbeth’s banquet, when he believes Banquo “shake[s] thy gory locks at me” (3.4.61-62). The thought of Banquo’s anger beyond his death terrifies Macbeth, “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee” (3.4.113). Macbeth does not want to come to the realization of his wrongdoings, wanting to hide his guilt and suppress himself His emotional spiral climaxes when learning of Banquo’s triumph, when he goes to the witches and learns of Banquo’s descendants are “like the spirit of Banquo” (4.1.127). To reiterate his mental collapse, “the blood-boltered Banquo smiles upon me and points at them for his” (4.1.138-139). As the guilt of Banquo’s murder …show more content…
Lennox perceives Macbeth as a “tyrant” (Shakespeare 3.6.25), after noticing that Banquo’s death, “how it did grieve Macbeth!” (3.6.12) His sarcasm denotes how he came to see Macbeth as a tyrant, becoming suspicious over Duncan and Banquo’s death and Macbeth’s ability to “kill a father” (3.6.22). Macduff and Malcolm’s views of Macbeth also pertain to his tyranny, but they describe their lack of trust for Macbeth and their opinions against his “great tyranny” (4.3.40). They note Macbeth as “once thought honest” (4.3.15) and “treacherous” (4.3.21), no longer recognizing him as a friend or an ally. Macduff even describes the nature of tyranny, that it leads to the “fall of many kings” (4.3.83). Putting those words to the test, Macduff remarks before fighting Macbeth, that due to Macbeth’s actions against his “wife and children” (5.7.21), their “ghost[s] will haunt me still” (5.7.21) unless Macduff slays Macbeth himself. Against Macbeth’s tyranny, Macduff succumbs to the personal grudge against Macbeth. However, Macbeth’s acts have broken the trust between the two. In turn, Macbeth’s behavior leads to his own death, with Macduff, the man “of no woman born” (5.8.36), capable of defeating Macbeth, ends Macbeth’s power and
Macbeth’s uncertainty first began with his hope to not let his “black and deep desires” (Shakespeare 1.4.58) consume his mind after his prophecy foreshadowed Duncan’s murder. This initial feeling translated to his later guilt when talking to Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth, being paranoid, comments, “wake Duncan with thy knocking” (2.3.94), to emphasize his regret in putting Duncan to rest. His guilt beginning to fill his mind with “scorpions” (3.2.41), his mental and emotional instability leads him to killing Banquo in order to retain his kingship. The remorse of Banquo’s death is evident in Macbeth’s banquet, when he believes Banquo “shake[s] thy gory locks at me” (3.4.61-62). The thought of Banquo’s anger beyond his death terrifies Macbeth, “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee” (3.4.113). Macbeth does not want to come to the realization of his wrongdoings, wanting to hide his guilt and suppress himself His emotional spiral climaxes when learning of Banquo’s triumph, when he goes to the witches and learns of Banquo’s descendants are “like the spirit of Banquo” (4.1.127). To reiterate his mental collapse, “the blood-boltered Banquo smiles upon me and points at them for his” (4.1.138-139). As the guilt of Banquo’s murder …show more content…
Lennox perceives Macbeth as a “tyrant” (Shakespeare 3.6.25), after noticing that Banquo’s death, “how it did grieve Macbeth!” (3.6.12) His sarcasm denotes how he came to see Macbeth as a tyrant, becoming suspicious over Duncan and Banquo’s death and Macbeth’s ability to “kill a father” (3.6.22). Macduff and Malcolm’s views of Macbeth also pertain to his tyranny, but they describe their lack of trust for Macbeth and their opinions against his “great tyranny” (4.3.40). They note Macbeth as “once thought honest” (4.3.15) and “treacherous” (4.3.21), no longer recognizing him as a friend or an ally. Macduff even describes the nature of tyranny, that it leads to the “fall of many kings” (4.3.83). Putting those words to the test, Macduff remarks before fighting Macbeth, that due to Macbeth’s actions against his “wife and children” (5.7.21), their “ghost[s] will haunt me still” (5.7.21) unless Macduff slays Macbeth himself. Against Macbeth’s tyranny, Macduff succumbs to the personal grudge against Macbeth. However, Macbeth’s acts have broken the trust between the two. In turn, Macbeth’s behavior leads to his own death, with Macduff, the man “of no woman born” (5.8.36), capable of defeating Macbeth, ends Macbeth’s power and