The theme of power in Macbeth

How does power affect the character of Macbeth

At the beginning of the play Macbeth is noble and brave warrior "O, valiant cousin, worthy gentleman" however his interaction with the witches ignites his ambition for power. Macbeths ambition for power corrupts his character, transforming him from a noble hero into a tyrannical murderer "Prince of Cumberland! That is step on which I must fall down or else o'er leap for in my way it lies"

How does power affect side characters

-Lady Macbeth acts as catalyst in Macbeth's crazed ambition, she uses manipulation to push Macbeth to commit regicide when he has a moment of doubt "look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it"

-Banquo serves as a dramatic foil to Macbeth throughout the story, while they are both destined for greatness by the witches prophecy Banquo doesnt react in the same way as Macbeth. However we see Banquo conflicted and tempted by power in Act 3 as he questions the nature of Macbeth's rise to the thrown and we even see jealousy "May they no be my oracles as well, and set me up in hope?" power can tempt even he mostt righteous of people

The moral cost of the pursuit of power

In the story of Macbeth the pursuit of power brings about moral decay. Macbeth's rise to power is marked by increasingly irrational and ruthless actions such as the murder of Duncan and Banquo and the massacre of Macduff's family. "I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er"

The mental impact of Power on Macbeth

As Macbeth gains more power he becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated. The fear of losing his ill-gotten throne drives him to commit heinous acts such as the massacre of Macduff's family. Macbeth finds himself in a cycle of violence and paranoia. Macbeth alienates himself from those that could have been his allies, culminating in a sense of complete isolation as he becomes as tyrant that is feared by his subjects. Macbeth reflects on his life at the end of the play, remarking that things that come with old age such as friends family and respect are things he doesnt have in their place are curses, not loud but silent

The value of power in Macbeth

Shakespeare contrasts Macbeth's tyranny with the ideal of a just ruler through Duncan and later Malcolm. Shakespeare suggests that illegitimate kingship leads to chaos and disorder "a falcon towering in its place of pride was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed". This drives home the idea that effective leadership does not come from power alone but also virtue justice and the support of the governed, Malcolm calls these the "king-becoming graces"