Examples Of Greed In Macbeth

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a testimony to the difference between greed and ambition, good and evil, and right and wrong. The story shows that when one becomes obsessed with power, they will often resort to methods of manipulation and retaliation to achieve their desired outcome. In the case of Macbeth, he is approached by the Three Witches who inform him that he will one day become Thane of Cawdor and the King of Scotland. Additionally, they inform Macbeth’s comrade Banquo that his sons will one day be kings. “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” (Shakespeare 6) Upon hearing this, Macbeth begins to spiral, transforming from a brave and well-respected Scottish nobleman to an aggressive and hostile tyrant. The witches’ prophecies

In Act 2, Scene 1 Macbeth sees a vision of a bloody dagger pointed toward Duncan. This signals the entrance of dark and twisted ambition into Macbeth’s mind, showing that his greed led him to believe that killing Duncan was reasonable. “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.” (Shakespeare 15) In the next scene, Macbeth and his wife execute their murder plot and temporarily escape any suspicion that they are the culprits. This murder showcases Macbeth’s greed as he was aware of the positive reputation that King Duncan had in Scotland, but murdered him anyway to eliminate anyone that stood in the way of the throne. Next, Macbeth sets out to murder his former best friend Banquo and his son Fleance as the prophecies revealed that Banquo’s sons would ascend to the throne. “So is he mine; and in such bloody distance, That every minute of his being thrusts Against my near'st of life.” (Shakespeare 25) Macbeth hires three murderers to kill Banquo, but in the meantime hosts an extravagant dinner party to eliminate any suspicions about his plans. The three murderers hide in the woods near the palace and successfully kill Banquo, while his son Fleance escapes. Macbeth became obsessed with power, and his greed is evidenced by his enthusiasm to kill his best friend for his own selfish

At the beginning of the story, Macbeth is living a seemingly fulfilling life as a soldier and in a loving marriage with his wife, Lady Macbeth. This is evidenced by a letter he wrote to her in Act 1, Scene five referring to her as his “dearest partner of greatness.” After Macbeth received the prophecies and began his murder spree, it took an enormous toll on Lady Macbeth and their marriage. She entered a spiral of madness and tragically took her own life as the guilt weighed heavy on her conscience. Following her death Macbeth lost all passion for life, conveying his feelings in the famous “Tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrow” speech. He conveys that life is meaningless, “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (Shakespeare 63) At this point in the story, Macbeth has realized that the prophecies have ruined his life and if he hadn’t committed the murders, his wife would not have died. His negative attitude is also evidenced by his consistent belief that everyone was threatening his power. This perception is what led him to seek revenge on so many people in his life. While his pessimism grew more apparent as the play progressed, his negative outlook began immediately after receiving the prophecies. In Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth states “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which