Essay On The Theme Of Power In Macbeth

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth incorporates different symbols to demonstrate a clear motif of power. Macbeth being a tragedy projects this idea that with power there are consequences; this power is a strong force that many humans ought to want. The ideology of power throughout the play is communicated to the audience via the main character whom the play is named after. Macbeth’s ambition and greed for power is ultimately displayed through liquids incorporated in Shakespeare's language. These fluids carry the plot along and describes Macbeth’s desire for control. Specifically, milk, alcohol, and urine are fluids that demonstrate the crave for mightiness as Macbeth claims the throne at the death of King Duncan. Thus, in the scenes of progression, of the plan to kill King Duncan came Shakespeare’s hidden symbol of fluids that presents the ambition and desire to attain power. When Macbeth is crowned Thane of Cawdor in Act I, his ambition for more power is fueled. He believes that he must kill the king in order to make his prophecy to come true. In dispute with himself on whether or not to conduct the treason, Macbeth angers his wife - Lady Macbeth calls him “full o’

Alcohol is a fluid that messes with one’s mind, one not being in full control. Here, Macbeth was under his wife’s influence to obtain the throne. Macbeth was very cowardly and questioning of his choice in scene I, act V, in which Lady Macbeth attempts to “pour my spirits in thine ear.”(I.V.26). Shakespeare uses “spirits” as a way to communicate the idea of influence to go through with the plan to kill the king. Accordingly, Lady Macbeth’s lust for power is transferred to Macbeth through alcohol. The liquid is poured into his ear brainwashing him that this was meant to be. Alcohol is used here to present the fuel to Macbeth’s ambition for power ultimately starting the plan to kill King