Banquo's Loss Of Power In Macbeth

Power is Insatiable A person’s true intentions rarely reflect how they present themselves to the public as shown in literature. Shakespeare highlights the difference between one’s private and public self using his tragedy, Macbeth. Macbeth’s soliloquy in act III scene I reveals his selfishness and paranoia after becoming king because the power he has doesn’t suffice. His distrust in Banquo and worries about his lineage expose humans’ natural dread of losing power and their determination to expand it regardless of the consequences. Banquo and Macbeth had a brother-like relationship; they fought together and spoke their “free hearts each to other”(9). As the play proceeds, Banquo’s presence starts to perturb Macbeth. Macbeth is frightened

By describing becoming king as putting a “fruitless crown” oh his head and handing him a “barren sceptre” , Macbeth exhibits a yearning to expand his power beyond his own generation (35). Macbeth only wanted to become king but he selfishly concludes that his own command isn't enough and he wants to engender a legacy of heirs. Macbeth adheres to the growing ambitions of individuals once they gain power. Therefore, Macbeth does not think his efforts to reach power were sufficient. Thinking of the deeds he has done, he reasons that “For them the gracious duncan have I murder'd” (35). His statement is selfish because slaughter is suddenly unjustifiable once it affects others positively, rather than just himself. His role as a king has skewed his perception so much that his friends are his enemies and his murders become aimless. Macbeth’s elation from power is rendered by his worries of losing it, revealing his true self in the process. His concerns stem from jealousy and thoughts of his wrong deeds being exposed, which in turn motivate him to act against his closest friend. He becomes more violent and less conflicted in regards to the measures he wants to take to rule. Macbeth extends his ambition and