Influence Of Power In Macbeth

The Influence of Power in Macbeth

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” (John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton)

In the tragedy of “Macbeth”, written by William Shakespeare, he uses characters to portray a theme of “Power tends to Corrupt”. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are two major characters that show how power can be a source of corruption, as their power increases their principles concerning the distinction between good or wrong behaviors decrease. In the play, there is a significant correlation between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s excessive ambition to attain power and their journey into self-destruction. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s awful crimes result in the downfall of Scotland.

The character Macbeth, before he was tempted by the witch’s

Macbeth was honored for his leadership on the battlefield. He was even willing to die for his king and country in battle. Macbeth starts the play with power, as the Thane of Glamis. He is awarded Thane of Cawdor for his courageous act on the battlefield. His temptation for power is increased once he is told he will be king. “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Witches. 1. 3. 50-51) To make the third prophecy a reality, to gain power, Macbeth agrees to attain the King’s throne through committing horrible crimes “Are less than horrible imaginings. My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man. That function is smothered in surmise, and nothing is but what is not.” (Macbeth.1.3. 142- 145). After the murder of Duncan, securing the Throne of Scotland, Macbeth has all the power in the Kingdom. However, Macbeth doesn't become totally corrupt after his first murder, Duncan. He seems doubtful and weary of his crime which is seen when he refuses to go back to Duncan’s room to plant the draggers to frame the guards, “I’ll go no more. I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on’t again, I dare not.”