Power is an intrinsic force with a paradoxically strong influence of supremacy over society, intricately woven with the tapestry of human emotions and aspirations. This perspective is exemplified through William Shakespeare's 1606 tragedy ‘Macbeth’, wherein he competently utilises a dramatic masterpiece to uncover the temperamental nature of power. Shakespeare’s exploration of the deceptive nature of power and hamartia is evident in the tragedy as he characterises Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to illustrate the inability to exert control once relinquished. Moreover, Shakespeare positions the play as a cautionary device to warn the Jacobean audience against futile pursuit of omnipotence which ultimately leads to a whirlpool of self- destruction. …show more content…
The violent hyperbole in “How tender ‘tis to love the babe that milks me. Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you” represents her insatiable hunger for power and the lengths she will go to attain power. Through this quote, Shakespeare indicates that Lady Macbeth’s desires and ambitions are shaped by her loss of a child. This brutal revelation, aimed towards the audience, highlights the strengths Lady Macbeth will go to achieve her deep aspirations of attaining …show more content…
This can be seen in the quote ”Out, damned spot! Out, I say!-One, two‘' wherein the repetition of the imperative of “out” highlights Lady Macbeth's frustration and anxiety as she tries to desperately command the blood stain. This is ironic to her earlier manipulation of Macbeth, underscoring the shifting nature of power as Lady Macbeth becomes increasingly consumed by guilt. Her inability to exorcise her guilt emphasises how power is elusive and subtle. The blood stained symbolises her inner emotional turmoil and guilt over the murder of Duncan, whom she referred to as her “father”. As she attempts to “wash” the blood stain off her hands, she gets trapped in the cycle of guilt and paranoia, exemplifying the destructive consequences of pursuing power. Shakespeare further employs metaphorical language to reveal that it’s not the “spot” that is “damned”, but rather her soul weighed down by her Christian faith. This adds depth to the analysis and reinforces how it's not a physical stain, but a symbol of her inner conflict. This irony is particularly striking for Shakespeare’s contemporary audience, as Lady Macbeth’s character aligns with the biblical concept of being damned for one’s