Examples Of Thirst For Power In Macbeth

Macbeth’s Thirst For Power “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” (Brainyquotes.com). British historian, Lord Acton explains that people with complete and absolute power over others always eventually abuse this power and it goes to their head. These words perfectly describe the way that the quest for power and ambition takes a toll on a person and can lead to tragedy such as in William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Macbeth’s thirst for power and his neverending ambition ultimately leads to his demise. This premise is illustrated in many ways throughout the play. First, Macbeth was so power hungry that he murdered one of his closest friends, King Duncan, to get what he wants. Next, he then hires murderers to

He does not believe that anything can happen to take his power away from him. He believes he is insurmountable to all who would challenge him , especially when he hears the Second Apparition say, “Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth.” (Shakespeare 4.1.81-86-89). This declaration gives Macbeth the illusion of invincibility because he falsely believes that all men are born of women. Another example of his false sense of security is when the Third Apparition says, “Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill Shall come against him.” (Shakespeare 4.1.102-104). Macbeth is relieved by this news because he thinks that he will be King for his lifetime and that the evil deeds, the murders he committed will not be discovered or punished. He believes that it would be impossible for the Great Birnam Wood to come to life and march against him because he only takes the literal meaning of the words and foolishly does not consider the true possibilities. This false confidence and misguided sense of security causes him to underestimate others around him setting the stage for his