Love And Power In Macbeth

Shakespeare’s novel “Macbeth” demonstrates the many ways in which love can factor into a play. Through the connections built between characters, and the relationship Macbeth holds with power, the ways in which love are perceived through “Macbeth” are evident.

In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” there is a strong relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, the relationship between the two characters is known as the most obvious - yet this relationship challenges traditional perceptions of love. The attitude Lady Macbeth and Macbeth have towards each other constantly changes, thus making it hard to form a clear-cut opinion of their relationship. For example, as Lady Macbeth receives the message from her husband claiming that he has earned the

In this play, love is demonstrated through Macbeth and his need for power. In Act 1 Scene 3, the Witches greet Macbeth with his “fate” as they inform the Thane of Glamis, that he will be future Thane of Cawdor and King: “Thane of Glamis,/ All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor,/All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” Act 1, Scene 3. Following this scene, Macbeth does not let anyone or anything stand between his search for power or his obsession with the idea of fate. I believe this is an example of how love is presented in the play as Macbeth is in love with the idea of his success. Macbeth goes to great risks in order to obtain his power, some of these risks even consist of killing and sacrifice. In order for Macbeth to stay true to the word of the Witches, he takes matters into his own hands. Therefore, Macbeth needs to kill the current king in order for him to seize the title. In Act 1, Scene 4, Macbeth quotes “Let not light see my black and deep desires.” This quote speaks about the desire Macbeth has to kill King Duncan as he claims that no light is shining, therefore, no one is able to see the gruesome desires within him (the murder of Duncan). The murder of Duncan was plotted by both Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth as they both hold a thirst for power. In Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth quotes “Bring forth men-children

With the idea of Macbeth becoming king, this also means that lady Macbeth will be presented with the title of Queen. As the story progresses the reader learns that Lady Macbeth's actions are equally as terrible as the crimes committed by Macbeth. These crimes all have to do with the couple’s devoted love for power. Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to commit murder and fulfill his ambition. Persuasion is a powerful and threatening tool against those who are weak. It can sway one's decisions from being influenced by either good and evil - thus concealing one’s judgment and jading one’s conscience.“But screw your courage to the sticking-place, And we'll not fail.” Act 1, Scene 7, Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth to commit to the plan to murder King Duncan, as she is telling Macbeth that he cannot give up his courage. Furthermore, In Act 1, Scene 5, Macbeth says “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty!” Lady Macbeth is speaking to spirits in order to assist her in her murderous thoughts; Lady Macbeth hopes that she will become stronger, crueler, and eviler. This quotation shows the relationship Lady Macbeth holds with power as she is encouraging herself to kill the