Macbeth Greed Quotes

Ellissa Kierstan Coutts
Mr. Malboeuf
ENG2D1-03
December 23, 2022 “Greed makes man foolish and blind, and makes him an easy prey for death.” The contents of this quote show displays of anger, compassion and lust. The quote derives from pure sentiment felt by the poet and social activist Nestor Zurita. The play Macbeth in contrast is about trickery, greed and political ambition. The play Macbeth carefully examines politic-like principles, through different examples of kingship by Duncan, Macbeth and Malcolm. Macbeth is a direct ascendent of king Duncan as he fights to protect his county for he is a brave soldier without virtue. Macbeth’s morality is forgotten when power is within reach of him. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are both linked by their

Macbeth at this time is blinded by greed as he kills his best friend in order to keep his political status. Macbeth and Banquo are connected spiritually because Banquo was with Macbeth as the three witches told him his prophecy. “All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! / All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor / All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!” (1.3.46-49) This quote sets the motion for the rise and tragic fall of Macbeth. Macbeth after hearing these words spoken to him is filled to the brim with mixed feelings that cause him to lose grasp upon himself and his nobleness. Macbeth was ordinarily noble and devoted to his country prior to the incident with the witches which led him to be blinded by his overwhelming sense of cupidity. “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater / Not so happy, yet much happier / Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” (1.3.65-68) These words captivate Macbeth as they are said by the witches to Banquo as Banquo stands baffled by the words escaping the witch's mouths. This quote, once unriddled, talks about Banquo and the crowning of his adolescents. Macbeth at this time is overwhelmed with uncertainties and decides his best course of action is to end the chain of power before it begins. Macbeth’s need for political status takes over him as he disregards the friendship

The ambition in Macbeth's characters was easily fuelled by the ambiguous prophecies of the deceiving witches. In conclusion, the play Macbeth showcases feelings of trickery, greed, and vice. “Virtue has a veil, vice a mask.” This work by French poet Victor Hugo explains that virtue is covered in a sheath of truths whilst still being near to invisible, but on the other hand, vice is visibly hidden behind lies. At first, Macbeth a hero covered by a mask of vice maintains control and channels his ambition into helping those he is loyal to but after hearing what could be, he yearns for more. Macbeth’s greed takes over him as he chases a fool’s dream. Macbeth's ambition leads him to secure his power; he overlooks his guilt and focuses on doing whatever it takes to hold onto his authority. Shakespeare demonstrates, in a variety of techniques, how just ambition alone can bring down the even the greatest of men. “There is something wrong with a individual’s character if opportunity controls their loyalty.” Sean Simmon’s the writer of this quote explains how blinded someone can be when given certain opportunities which can be directly related to the character Macbeth. Macbeth takes drastic measures to meet