Loss Of Power In Macbeth

While power may seem alluring to many, Shakespeare’s Macbeth highlights the destruction and harm that comes with great power. Throughout Macbeth’s journey for more power, Shakespeare is able to demonstrate the cognitive changes Macbeth endures with his power gain. Macbeth is seen getting more violent and apathetic as the play goes on, showing how power corrupts the mind. Soon after Macbeth has a great increase in power, Act Three Scene One emphasizes how the determination for more power affects Macbeth. Macbeth is shown with little remorse for causing the death of one of his former friends, blinded by the desire for power. This scene shows how Shakespeare uses Macbeth’s drive for power to reveal how the hunger for greater power eventually leads

In one of his soliloquies, Macbeth talks about how he will stop Banquo’s children from becoming kings; “Rather than so, come fate into the list, / And champion me to th' utterance” (3.1.76-77). When saying, “champion me to th' utterance,” Macbeth reveals how he believes that he is unbeatable. By challenging fate, it becomes apparent that he truly believes that he has so much power, not even fate can go against his will. Thinking that his will is stronger than fate is harmful to Macbeth because it will cause him to not think through harmful acts, resulting in damaging effects. Later when giving directions to the murderers on how to kill Banquo, Macbeth says to them, “I could / With barefaced power sweep him from my sight / And bid my will avouch it” (3.1.134-136). Saying he has “barefaced power” demonstrates the cockiness Macbeth has gained after becoming king. He believes that this power is making him untouchable. This way of thinking is dangerous to Macbeth as well as others because without thinking through these violent acts, unnecessary harm and death are bound to be

By saying he will “wail his fall / Who I myself struck down” leaves the impression that Macbeth is unaffected by being the cause of the fall of his former friend. Power has changed Macbeth to the point where he is detached from regular emotions and is uncaring of the pain he causes. Not only is Macbeth apathetic towards the destruction he causes, but is also unphased if he has to manipulate and control others to get what he wants. Macbeth tells the murderers, “Know / That it was he, in the times past, which held you / So under fortune, which you thought had been / Our innocent self. / This I made good to you” (3.1.78-81). Saying “Our innocent self. This I made good to you” proves Macbeth is trying to deflect the blame and guilt off himself. Macbeth is using his power above the murderers to convince them that Banquo was the one forcing them to live in misery, instead of himself. The impact of power is so significant on Macbeth that the change in his personality from the beginning of the play is so prominent and obvious it is visible that power can change a person's way of thinking so