Abuse Of Power In Macbeth

Power is Not Always the Problem Abraham Lincoln is known for saying the following: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The role of power in a person’s corruption is multi-faceted and debatable; therefore, a more objective view must be taken: people allow themselves to be corrupted. It is a test of character to be given power, and how a person handles that power reveals the kind of person they always were. Macbeth illustrates the interplay of power and corruption with the characters Duncan, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth, himself. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the character Duncan is presented, already in a role of power. The audience knows nothing of him, before he came to be king. Although the historical King Duncan was a very poor king, William Shakespeare was trying to impress King James, who claimed himself as a descendant of the King Duncan. Because of this, it can be assumed that Shakespeare’s

As mentioned above, Lady Macbeth is “worried about your [her husband, Macbeth’s] character; / it is too full of the milk of human kindness / to take the quickest way.” (1.5.14-16). Macbeth is seemingly very brave and valiant in battle and, as Lincoln said, “can stand adversity.” Once given the promise of power, Macbeth doesn’t seem affected: his only action to send a letter to his wife, telling the good news. Other than that, he takes no other action, until meeting up with his wife, whom he allows himself to be persuaded to corruption. Macbeth did not handle power well, revealing that he was always weak as a person.

Power, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. It can be used to do much good in the world, as seen in Shakespeare’s King Duncan, but it can be used for bad just as easily, as seen in Lady Macbeth’s corruption of her weak husband. Power does not make character; power reveals