Examples Of Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely Macbeth

Alison Hoang
Ms Kim
English II
17 March 2023

Macbeth Final Essay

The phrase “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” was coined by British historian Lord Acton in the late nineteenth century. Many say that power can bring out a destructive force that resides inside the human psyche. In Macbeth by Shakespeare, Macbeth is sent on a spiral of murder and betrayal after hearing a prophecy that he would become king. The play portrays the evil found in human nature by showing how the pursuit of power corrupts the Macbeths and leads them to cruelty. Throughout the play, Macbeth’s greed and desire for power cause him to become tyrannical and selfish. Macbeth begins the play as a brave and honorable soldier with strong loyalty to the king. However, this

After hearing of the witches' prophecy, Lady Macbeth manipulates and belittles her husband to convince him to carry out his plan against Duncan. She tells him, “Art thou afeard / To be the same in thine own act and valor / As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that / Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, / And live a coward in thine own esteem” (1.7. 39-43). She expresses her belief that Macbeth should be willing to do whatever is necessary to get what he wants. By encouraging Macbeth to commit murder and treason, she shows she values her own goals and social status over morality and regard for the lives of others. She further extends her point by insulting him, saying “I have given suck, and know / How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me. / I would, while it was smiling in my face, / Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums / And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you / Have done to this” (1.7. 55-60 ). This quote also supports her idealogy that she will do anything to get what she wants. Her graphic description of her murdering her child shows that she disregards the feelings of others and her morality if it gets in the way of her