Examples Of Machiavelli In Macbeth

Principles of Machiavelli in Macbeth “Macbeth”, written by William Shakespeare, tells the story of Macbeth and what he has to do and go through in order to become king. Through this he has to commit multiple acts of murder, act in a deceiving manor, and constantly watch his back. One of the people he had to kill in order to become king was the old king, Duncan. Compared to Macbeth, Duncan was a ruler loved by his people, easily gaining their support on matters and not having to worry about people rebelling. Though Duncan is only alive for a few scenes within the play, it becomes evident that Macbeth and Duncan’s methods of ruling were very different. These two contrasting styles of being loved or hated and feared by the people ties into Machiavelli’s

Macbeth, in his position as ruler, is unable to gain the and secure the trust of those around him in other positions of power. This results in Macbeth having a lack of allies. This is mainly due to how he had gained the throne and the suspicion others of status held against him. As well as the fact that Macbeth never reassured anyone that he wasn’t the killer. Duncan on the other hand had people who trusted him and were also loyal and faithful to him. Their loyalty and faithfulness are shown when they inform Duncan that the Thane of Cawdor is a traitor. These traits are also demonstrated when concern is shown for his death. Acting as a feared king chases Macbeth to lose the people he already had around him as well, such as the support and trust of Banquo and the but if trust Macduff had in him. He also has nobody that is willing to inform him of an uprise within the kingdom which is why Macbeth is able to so easily be overthrown by the people and others of power. This demonstrates that if a ruler is loved, more people are willing to ally and support them, where as if a ruler is feared, less people are willing to support them and rather favor the