Macbeth’s Downfall to Power The human psyche inherently has a desire for power, whether it be an attempt to control others or escape domination and gain autonomy in one’s own life. Pleonexia, the extreme greed for something that rightfully belongs to others, acts as a toxic impulse in mankind, often resulting in immoral actions to obtain the power one desires. Literature emphasizes this corrupt mindset by depicting a character’s dissatisfaction with mediocre control. The character continuously craves more until meeting his tragic flaw, ultimately resulting in the character drowning in the fear of defeat, making a misjudgment as he approaches his downfall. In Shakespeare’s play titled Macbeth, Macbeth develops an internal desire for greater influence over Scotland, going against his morals as he murders those in line to …show more content…
Therefore, not only must he continue in order to cope with the guilt, but Macbeth ironically finds the need to gain more power so nobody can take it away from him. As the Battle at Dunsinane approaches, Macbeth determines that he has experienced enough horror throughout his journey to be king. He states that “‘direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts, cannot once start me’” (Shakespeare 5.5). At this point, Macbeth knows that he is guilty of the terror of the entire country, and fears that anyone can take power from him. Consequently, he simply desires to remain in his position of power for as long as possible. However, because of this immense feeling of guilt, nothing else troubles him. As a result, due to his incessant reminders of guilt, he is unable to recognize the genuine threat of Macduff, facing his downfall as his power dies with him. Although Macbeth develops guilt over the course of the plot, he finds ways to justify his actions, hoping to morally explain the purpose of