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Corruption Of Power In Macbeth

715 Words3 Pages

Most people in power in the world are corrupt due to money and political positions. Not so unlike in Macbeth, a play by William Shakespeare, where the main character Macbeth after three witches give him, a prophecy saying he would be king and his friend Banquo’s sons would be king Macbeth begins his ascension to the throne through unnecessary means of which lead to his own downfall. Ultimately the pursuit of power not only led to the downfall of Macbeth but to those around them. From the beginning of the play, we can immediately see the cycle of corruption taking hold of the characters, mainly Macbeth. In the first scene Macbeth is in battle and is fighting the rebel traitor who is the thane of Cawdor. After which Macbeth and Banquo leave …show more content…

This clearly illustrates the corruption of power negatively affecting those without power. Especially considering it wasn’t until after Macbeth was king, he hired people to kill Banquo who’s son was only twelve and had less power than Macbeth. Another example of this is the blatant slaughter of Macduff’s family. While Macduff was out of the castle trying to plan a way to defeat Macbeth, Macbeths forces went to Macduff’s castle and killed everyone in it. Due to Macbeths paranoia that Macduff was going to take his power Macbeth felt it necessary to send solider to Macduff’s castle and not only murder his soldiers but also everyone else in it. But I guess jokes on Macbeth, Macduff wasn’t even there and in turn this act just fills Macduff with rage and even more resolve to kill Macbeth, the one who killed the people he loved, Macduff then remarks to … that “O, I could play the woman with mine eyes and braggart with my tongue! But, gentle heavens, cut short all intermissions! Front to front Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself. Within my sword’s length set him. If he scape, heaven forgive him to.” (4.3.233-238). This is clearly a turning point in the play Macbeth showing how power can take you to far and ultimately cause your

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