What Is The Central Idea Of Macbeth Chapter 5

In chapter XVII of The Prince, N. Machiavelli discusses the topic of cruelty and whether it is better for a ruler to be loved or feared. Machiavelli asserts the idea that if you are king, it is going to be quite impossible for all people to like you further emphasizing the idea that it is better to be feared. If a king needs to be cruel to maintain power, then so be it. One characteristic he expresses in this chapter is the ability to make decisions quickly without the influence of personal feelings. He believes a prince should be able to act ruthlessly if necessary, without hesitation. In addition to this, another key idea expressed in this chapter is the potential downfall if princes rely solely on love or promise to maintain power.

Machiavelli believed that if the desired outcome is important enough, any method or action can be justified if it leads to it. Macbeth was an ambitious character in this play, and wanted to become king, but he did not have a legitimate claim to the throne. Therefore he turned to immoral means to make sure he would succeed as king. He killed King Duncan, to take the throne, following Machiavelli's idea about doing whatever it takes to get the desired outcome. Additionally, Machiavelli argued that a ruler must inspire both fear and love, and Macbeth did cause fear. People feared Macbeth due to his ruthlessness and his violence, all to maintain his position on the throne. This ties in with another one of Machiavelli's claims, that it is better for a ruler to be feared because people will take advantage of a ruler who is too kind. However, Macbeth makes mistakes that go against Machiavelli's assertions as well. Macbeth allowed his emotions to get the best of him. Machiavelli believed that a ruler should be rational in their decision-making, but Macbeth’s emotions, such as guilt and fear, got the better of him, leading him to make poor decisions. It states “ This is the very painting of your fear. This is the air-drawn dagger that you said Led you to Duncan. Oh, these flaws and starts, Impostors to true fear, would well