Examples Of Power In Macbeth

Is too much power healthy? In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, two characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, both encounter run-ins with power. In their quest for power, both of these characters use their power to an extreme level and kill people for it. Their thoughts and actions are clearly influenced by this desire for power. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, both characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, harm other people for power which illustrates that power has the ability to corrupt.

In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a very compassionate and timid character. Macbeth is resistant to do anything morally wrong. For example, when Lady Macbeth pushes him into killing King Duncan, he continues to stay strong and states

(Act 1 Scene 7). Macbeth is acting very hesitant about the thought of killing King Duncan. He is telling Lady Macbeth that they are family and family should never harm each other. Macbeth's use of the phrase “I can't bear the knife myself” shows the reader how much Macbeth does not want to commit this murder because he is questioning his decisions. The way that Macbeth is questioning his decision leads the readers to believe that he is doubtful and unsure about killing Duncan. Before Macbeth gains power, he is a good person which shows the reader that power has the ability to corrupt people. Although Macbeth feels waves of regret in the days following the incident, he becomes more and more accustomed to this power he gains and surprisingly enjoys it. When Macbeth finds out that there are other people next in line for king, he immediately sends out an order to have them killed. Macbeth can not stand knowing they are out there and threatening his power. He complains to lady macbeth “O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives.” (Act 3 scene 2). The power Macbeth is receiving has made him completely power hungry to the point

Lady Macbeth jumps on any available opportunity for power. When Lady Macbeth realizes that she has to kill King Duncan in order for power, she sprang into action. Lady Macbeth repeatedly pressures Macbeth into killing the King. Although he is initially hesitant she eventually convinces him. She prepares him and tells him, “Alack, I am afraid they have awaked, And ’tis not done. Th’ attempt and not the Deed Confounds us. Hark!—I laid their daggers ready;”(Act 2 Scene 2). Lady Macbeth is pressuring Macbeth into killing the King. Lady Macbeth's use of the phrase “I laid their daggers ready” shows the reader that she is eager to gain power. The way that Lady Macbeth is eager to murder the King leads the reader to believe that she is impatient and excited to gain power. During Lady Macbeth's encounter with power she is an evil, manipulative person which shows the reader that power has the ability to