Role Of Leadership In Macbeth

Leadership that comes from one person can either lead their followers to triumph or to horrible devastation. The outcome of which all hinges on the leader's view of their role and their followers role. A difference in the view of what true leadership is, is what separates Macduff and Malcolm from Macbeth. Before Macbeth even fully commits to the idea of killing Duncan he admits that Duncan “hath borne his faulties so meek, hath been so clear in his great office (1.7.17-18).” At this this point in the play he is clearly acknowledging Duncan’s success and popularity throughout Scotland. He goes on to describe how the angels will weep when Duncan dies. This thought about the widespread effects that would be caused, shows one of the last moments of Macbeth considering the moral path.

While his plot to get to the throne succeeds his newfound power only works against him and the wills of the common people eventually leading to his downfall. The Macbeth who was described by Duncan in previous scenes as his “worthiest cousin (1.4.17)” a man who was said to be brave, courageous, and dedicated to his king and country is lost. He becomes mistrustful of everyone, killing anyone whom he perceives as a threat. Each of his vices continue to grow until he has left Scotland in turmoil and ruin. The great kingdom for which he fought for is now a memory. He has become so consumed with outside threats, that now all power he once held over Scotland is minimal. His downfall was caused by his preconceived view of power that comes with leadership. He thought the power the monarch held was not at all affected by the people, when in reality it is the people who decide how much power the monarch has. Malcolm and Macduff seem to recognize