Macbeth: The Power Of Ambitions

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William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth displays variances in power throughout the play. There are times when characters demonstrate mighty power and conversely incidents where power is diminished. A the start of the play ultimate power is in the hands of Duncan as King however as the play progresses Duncan’s power is wiped away in a night since he is murdered as a result of the power of corruption and ambition and how they influenced Macbeth.

Macbeth easily gains a huge amount of power but then looses as it as he becomes king and then is later on killed. Macbeth power is greatest when he “hast it now: king, Cawdor Glamis, all.” However, this is extinguished when he misunderstands “that none of woman born shall harm” him. Leading him to the arrogance that no human could defeat him and ending up in defeat as “Macduff was from his mother’s womb. Untimely ripped.” Despite all the power of being king Macbeth ended the play with the least power and a non-beating heart.

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Corruption and ambition are forceful powers over Macbeth. The ambition was mostly Lady Macbeth’s, however, the power of it was so strong it easily reeled in the fish biting on the fishing line; Turning the power of ambition to the power of corruption and causing him to do unspeakable things. Powers drove Macbeth to the point of defying loyalty – killing his king, Duncan and his battle partner, Banquo – both who trusted him majorly. In addition, the corruption leads him to frame the innocent guards for his evil actions. The further element that feeds into the influence of the power of ambition in Macbeth is the prophecy of the witches. ‘’All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!’’ makes him think of actually being king, all the positives make him want it more.

Despite the strength of the power of corruption and ambition, they will never be the strongest. There is always one ruling power. The power of guilt. Guilt drives even the strongest of minds insane. Lady Macbeth is so guiltful that she smells ‘’the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes in Arabia will not sweeten (her) little hand.’’ She can’t stop rubbing her hands and, in the end, she kills herself from the power of guilt. Macbeth is affected by this deadly power too after killing his partner in battle who he was so loyal to and vice versa he sees his ghost at the table. He is angry at himself because of the guilt so he ends up shouting at the ghost ‘’Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake Thy gory locks at me.’’ The power of guilt drove both the Macbeths insane.

In conclusion, the power of ambition can drive you to the power of corruption which causes you to do unholy things. Powers are a key theme all throughout the play and is apparent throughout every character. Shakespeare presented the powers of ambition, corruption and guilt to be the strongest and they were one the main elements of the play.

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