Power, a societal ranking of superiority and dominance, has influenced people for eons. In Macbeth, Shakespeare emphasizes power as a force that unwillingly controls the actions of others, resulting in broken relationships and dismay. Emotions primarily caused by the eagerness for power are guilt and greed. In Act 3 Scene 4 of Macbeth, Macbeth appears to be haunted by the ghost of Banquo, but no one can see the paranormal interaction besides Macbeth himself. "Avaunt! and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; thou hast no speculation in those eyes which thou dost glare with!" The paranoia caused by Banquo's ghost indicates the guilt Macbeth feels for betraying his friend and the fear of getting caught for his misdeeds. Greed occurs in the play via Act 2 Scene 1, where Macbeth follows the illusion of a dagger to King Duncan's chamber. "I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? Or art …show more content…
A character manipulated by power during the play is Macbeth. At the story's beginning, Macbeth's reputation perceives him as a fearless hero. In Act 1 Scene 2, Macbeth is portrayed as "brave Macbeth" and a "worthy gentleman" for his courageous behavior on the battlefield, later earning him the title of Thane of Cawdor. However, as the story develops, Macbeth becomes an unethical king whose morals are devoured by the crown. No longer is Macbeth referred to with a positive connotation, but instead, by Act 4 Scene 3, he is regarded as treacherous and a tyrant. Macduff's description of Macbeth during Act 4 Scene 3 perfectly depicts the change in Macbeth's character, "This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, was once thought honest." The quote provided verifies an alteration in Macbeth's persona throughout the play, calling him once