Abuse Of Power In Macbeth

Power: A Siren’s Song Power is a feeling all humans yearn for. Whether it is parents wanting power over their teens or a manager wanting power over his subordinates, all of us desire power in some way to validate us. However, some individuals are not satisfied with the power that an average person has, and once they have a taste of more, they become obsessed with having absolute power. This greed is common in both the real and the fictional world as seen by the French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte and the main character of Shakepeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth. Both of these leaders have shown us that the need for absolute power comes with selfishness, paranoia, and a deranged moral compass that ultimately leads to their downfall. These leaders’ obsession

They both wanted more power for only themselves. For instance, in Macbeth Macbeth says, “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me/Without my stir.” (Shakespeare 1.4.158-160). This tells us that Macbeth is thrilled at the Evil Sisters telling him he will become king and foretells Macbeth’s obsession with the idea of becoming king. However, this obsession fully developed after he was given the title of Thane of Cawdor because now that he had experienced that increase in power he couldn’t stop fantasizing about more. The greed and ambition that overtakes is so significant that somebody who has been described as, “full o’ th’ milk of human kindness,” will resort to murder (1.5.17). This is very similar to Napoleon Bonaparte, a French emperor who ruled as a virtual dictator.. Like Macbeth, Napoleon started out as an esteemed military general for the French. It was this taste of power that led to him wanting more and eventually organizing a coup d'état taking over power in France, a country he once loyally served (Breors). Both Macbeth and Napoleon’s exposure to power through the military, and in Macbeth’s case, a new title, led to their want for absolute

In fact, it often leads to constant paranoia in order to preserve the power that has been taken. For example, after gaining power, Napoleon had sole authority and ruled as first consul, unable to trust others in the government (Breors). He also did not support the freedom of speech or press fearing that it would threaten his authority over France (Thomas). This repression and elimination of non-supporters is something that is also seen in Macbeth. For instance, in Act 3 of the play Macbeth says, “For mine own good/All causes shall give way,” (Shakespeare 3.4.167-168). This tells us that for his protection and continued power he would do anything no matter how evil. It is not long after this that he kills Macduff’s innocent family for he felt Macduff was a danger to his power. Therefore, desperation for power leads to the development of an askew moral compass that is demonstrated by Macbeth and Napoleon’s oppressive rule. Not only do they now live in constant vigilance for threats, they will resort to anything to rid themselves of said