Power In Macbeth

In the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, the theme of power constantly presents itself. Shakespeare develops the character of Macbeth by telling the audience how the knowledge of his upcoming power effect his actions. Through his need for power, Macbeth is transformed from a respected and loyal soldier to a tyrannical king. Macbeth’s need for power also sways his loyalties toward people he once served or called friends. Loyalty is a motif that appears throughout the entire drama that follows the theme of power.

As the play Macbeth begins, Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal general who wants nothing more than to serve his king.

MACBETH Which do but what they should, by doing every thing Safe toward your love and honour.

DUNCAN

(1.4.26-29)

However, once Macbeth hears the prophecies of the three witches, his loyalties begin to sway. He learns that he will become king and the idea of killing Duncan, to obtain the power of the throne, is a potential option. Lady Macbeth manages to convince her husband to go through with the murder. “Macbeth does murder… the innocent” Duncan in the middle of the night while Duncan is sleeping (2.2.34). At first Macbeth is swarmed with immense guilt and paranoia. However, as the play continues the audience finds out that killing becomes easier for Macbeth. He will stop at nothing and spare no one when is comes to keeping the throne. As Macbeth secures his position as king, he never forgets the witches’ prophecy about Banquo's son. As a result, Macbeth plans Banquo’s death by hiring two murderers to kill Banquo in Act 3.

So is he mine; and in such bloody distance,

That every minute of his being thrusts

Against my near'st of life: and though I

Macbeth’s powers are starting to become unchecked and his subjects are now viewing him as a tyrant. As a result, Macduff is trying to convince Malcolm to take back the throne of Scotland, which is rightfully his. “Whither indeed, before thy here-approach, / Old Siward with ten thousand warlike men, / Already at a point, was setting forth”, as future king, Malcolm has the ability to lead an army against Macbeth (4.3.133-135). Macduff believes that by making an appearance in Scotland it will spark the kingdom’s people into rebelling against