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The Desire For Power Has On Oneself In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

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Recommended: Short critical analysis of macbeth

Regardless of the era, everyone aspires for some kind of power, often leading them to make great sacrifices in return. William Shakespeare demonstrates the negative consequences that the desire for power has on oneself in the dramatic play Macbeth. Shakespeare illustrates this message through a transformation within the characters of the play. Macbeth, a once honourable soldier, becomes a tyrant king who kills anyone that could cost him his crown. Lady Macbeth was an intelligent manipulator, who by the end of the play, she transforms into a guilt-ridden woman. Thus demonstrating how Shakespeare cleverly uses characterization in Macbeth to depict the negative impact the desire for power has on oneself.

Shakespeare initially characterized …show more content…

Shakespeare eloquently uses this choice of diction to demonstrate that Macbeth is consistently courageous and therefore his name should be attributed to that. Shakespeare uses a simile and personification to compare Macbeth to Valour’s minion depicting him as the servant of courage and bravery’s favourite. Furthermore, the choice of having the King and a high-ranking Captain be the ones to describe Macbeth in such a high manner emphasizes his noble characterization. This characterization is effective as throughout the play Shakespeare introduces opportunities for Macbeth to achieve power which results in the corruption of Macbeth’s character. The following analysis will explore how Shakespeare alters the initial characterization of Macbeth when the character is exposed to …show more content…

While encouraging Macbeth to go through with regicide, Lady Macbeth advises him to “bear welcome in your eye, / Your hand, your tongue. Look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under't” (1.5.63-65). Shakespeare designs Lady Macbeth to contrast the typical gender roles of the times, by telling her husband what to do. She is the one in the relationship advising and instructing him on how to trick a room full of other powerful men. This shows the audience her dominant and manipulative nature. The juxtaposition between the “innocent flower” and the “serpent” is another wise way Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth’s character. Lady Macbeth speaks of this deceptive nature with such knowledge describing it using a metaphor and a biblical allusion illustrating her intelligence and experience. Shakespeare also uses the juxtaposition as a way to allude to Lady Macbeth’s character; women are innocent flowers but there is a serpent beneath her femininity. Shakespeare’s initial characterization of Lady Macbeth expertly sets up her character to be transformed and corrupted by the actions that lead her to

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