Lust For Power In Macbeth

Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a play about how greed can demoralize a person. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s minds were corrupted due to their lust for power after hearing the prophecies given to Macbeth by the witches. First or all, Macbeth’s lust for power was apparent when he ordered Banquo and his son’s death. He wanted to ensure his position as king would not be taken, and as the witches stated - Banquo’s sons would be king. The first evidence of Macbeth losing his mind was after he ordered Banquo’s death. He sees Banquo’s ghost sitting in his spot at the table and proceeds to have conversations with the ghost while guests are witnessing, “(to GHOST) Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake Thy gory locks at me.” (Cowther 3: 4: 54). The

Second, Lady Macbeth’s insanity shows when she sleepwalks. While sleepwalking, Lady Macbeth repeats words she said to Macbeth on the night Kind Duncan was killed, “Fie, my lord, fie! A soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?—Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him.” (Cowther 5: 1: 26-28). Lady Macbeth’s lust for power was evident as she pushed Macbeth to kill Duncan because she wanted to be queen, but after the deed is done, it is apparent that it has messed with her mind. If it was a common act to sleepwalk and talk in your sleep the gentlewoman would not assume the doctor could prescribe medicine to help. Lastly, it is apparent that Lady Macbeth’s lust for power drove her to insanity when she committed suicide. Macbeth and Seyton heard a scream and Seyton went to check on the cause. After returning he made the statement, “The queen, my lord, is dead.” (Cowther 5:5: 17). It is evident that Lady Macbeth killed herself due to guilt as just a few scenes prior she was recounting the murders in her sleep, proving it was on her