Comparing Macbeth and A Simple Plan

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Why is that money and power can changes an individual’s personality? Well, when some humans see something desirable and valuable that doesn’t belong to them, they will go to a great extent to have it. Whether, that is stealing, lying or even killing loved ones. This is simply described as greed. Greed and ambition is a common theme in both Shakespeare’s tragic play, Macbeth and the movie “A Simple Plan”. They both share the concept of wanting something and committing crime after crime to achieve it. Similarly, the main characters in both stories become greedy after finding something valuable and their spouse encourages them further. Once in control, the main characters are willing to do anything to keep possession, even if it means to kill love ones.

Both characters in each story begin as innocent-minded individuals however, when they are exposed to valuable power and possession, they become greedy. Furthermore, Macbeth was known as a loyal hero at the beginning of the story however, this changes when he is informed about his prophecies. This selfishness is evident when Macbeth says “Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion/ whose horrid image doth unfix my hair /and make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? (I,III lines 133-138)”. Through these lines Macbeth expresses the thought of killing Duncan, which demonstrates that he is greedy for control and the crown as he is willing to murder the current king. On the other hand, Hank shares the same quality as Macbeth; however, he becomes greedy over money. When Hank, Lou and Jacob decide to keep the money, Hank immediately volunteers to keep it in his...

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...ou by making him confess to the murder of the farmer so no one will be suspicious of Hank and Jacob. This displays their greediness because if Lou confesses to the murder, he will be put in jail which means the money would only need to be split between Hank and Jacob, therefore they will receive a greater share. These two sources illustrate the extent that a person will go to achieve power and control; they will even destroy love ones.

Macbeth and “A Simple Plan” are both unique stories with different plots however; these two sources have a common topic of greed. In addition, the stories both portray the theme in similar situations. They both have a greedy family, murders and an ambition for power. To achieve this ambition, they show greediness when they are revealed to power, support cruel deeds and commit multiple murders of love ones.

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