William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the 1941 film Citizen Kane by Orson Welles are good examples of the consequences of uncontrolled ambition and corrupt power. Although each of the works takes place during very different time periods, brave soldier, Macbeth, and wealthy newspaper tycoon, Charles Foster Kane both have a need for recognition and control. However, when combined with a lack of ethics or morality, they end up destroying their lives and the lives of their friends and family as well. The best friends of these two protagonists, Banquo and Jedediah Leland, are also ambitious men. Their personal integrity and moral character provide a strong contrast to the two protagonists. Sadly, despite their good intentions and strong moral characters, …show more content…
neither Banquo nor Leland is able to prevent Macbeth or Kane from going down morally corrupt paths of destruction, and both end up with their own lives destroyed by the two self-centered tragic heroes. Kane and Macbeth both have pivotal moments that change the course of their adult lives and compel them to take control over their destinies. Unfortunately, this need for control also impacts best friends Banquo and Leland, and in the end, all four lives are destroyed. For Kane, the critical moment that sculpts his future takes place at age eight, when he is unwillingly sent, by his mother, to live in Chicago with Walter Parks Thatcher. As a banker, and Kane’s legal guardian, Thatcher is charged with managing Kane’s fortune, and providing Kane with an education, and overall “better life.” Kane, however, says that “[he] always gagged on that silver spoon,” and would have preferred to remain in his own home where he may have been poor, but he also felt happy and secure. When Kane gains access to his inheritance on his twenty-fifth birthday, he shows very little interest in the various companies that he owns, except for the Chicago Inquirer as he knows that the newspaper will provide him with the power and political control that he craves. Unable to direct his destiny as a child, Kane is determined to manage everything and everyone in his adult life, including his wives and his best friend Leland. Unfortunately, Kane’s attempts to use his power and money to buy the loyalty of Leland and other newspaper employees alienates them and drives them away. Kane’s material possessions, such as the many statues that he acquires, become substitutes for his numerous failed relationships and fill an emotional void. Kane is unable to govern his personal relationships, but he is able to accumulate material possessions such as art and statues, and limit access to others so that he, and only he, is able to appreciate them. For Macbeth, the moment that changes him comes when the three witches prophecy that he will become thane of Cawdor and eventually King. When he becomes thane of Cawdor, he wonders“if chance will have him king…without his stir” (1.3.145). Hearing the prophecy sparks Macbeth’s ambition and need to control his destiny, and ultimately drives him to kill King Duncan and anyone else who stands in his way, including his good friend Banquo, and MacDuff’s family. Immediately afterwards, Macbeth feels tremendous guilt, and slowly begins to deteriorate wondering if “all great Neptune’s ocean [will] wash [the] blood clean from [his] hands?” (2.2.58). In short, both Macbeth and Kane’s need for power and control end in misfortune with Macbeth killing his best friend Banquo and subsequently being killed in battle by MacDuff, and Kane dying unhappy and alone amongst his many statues and possessions. These two tragic heroes set aside their moral values in the pursuit of their own self interests and ambition.
Once honourable and decent men, they both sacrifice the greater good and their own personal integrity for self-gain. The witches prophesy that Banquo will be “lesser than Macbeth and greater…not so happy, yet much happier” (1.3.66), is a prediction that applies equally to Leland and his relationship with Kane. Banquo and Leland are both ambitious men, and although of lesser status than Macbeth and Kane, they are greater and more honourable as they don’t sacrifice their ethics and values for personal gain. Macbeth is aware that he has “no spur to prick the sides of his intent, but only [his] vaulting ambition” (1.7.25). Unlike Banquo, he ignores his moral conscience in favour of personal advancement. Similarly, unlike Kane, Leland values personal and journalistic integrity above power and personal advancement. In the first issue of the Inquirer, in an attempt to gain his readers trust, Kane writes a “Declaration of Principles” declaring that he vows to “tell all the news honestly.” Leland questions Kane’s journalistic integrity, and asks to keep the declaration, as he believes that Kane is unethical and doubts his sincerity. Kane, like Macbeth, is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, without concern for the impact of his actions on those around
him. The difference between Banquo and Leland as best friends of these two tragic heroes is that Leland recognizes and disagrees with Kane’s unethical behaviour while Banquo fails to realize, until it is too late, that Macbeth is dangerous and going down the wrong path. It is clear that Banquo believes that the witches are evil and up to no good when he tries to warn Macbeth that “oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles to betray’s in deepest consequence” (1.3.125). It is also clear, that Banquo is suspicious that Macbeth “hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, as the weird women promised, and fears, that [Macbeth] play’dst most foully for’t” (3.1.1), but he remains blinded by his loyalty to his friend Macbeth, and will do whatever Macbeth says as long as he can “keep [his] bosom franchised and allegiance clear” (2.1.26). Sadly, Banquo may have a clear conscience, but his blind loyalty and inability to see Macbeth for who he really is, ends tragically in his own death. Contrary to Banquo, Jedediah Leland knows that Kane lacks integrity and is destructive. Leland often criticizes Kane’s treatment of people, but he doesn’t really understand the origin of Kane’s behaviour, so he is unable to help Kane change. Rather than continue to get caught up in Kane’s unethical behaviour and be dragged down by Kane, Leland moves away and physically separates himself from Kane. Leland is unable to positively influence his friend, and he is unwilling to sacrifice his own reputation and values for his friend, so he abandons him and moves on with his life. Leland’s failure to change his friend and save their friendship devastates him, and both men end up living out the rest of their lives, miserable and alone. Driven by ambition and the need for power and control, both Macbeth and Kane are ultimately responsible for their own tragedies. That said, of the two best friends, it is difficult to fault Banquo for his role in Macbeth’s downfall as he was blinded by loyalty to his friend. His devotion to Macbeth is a favourable characteristic to have in a friend. Had Banquo realized Macbeth’s true intentions before it was too late, he would undoubtedly have done everything within his power to stop him. Leland, on the other hand, was very aware of Kane’s control issues and lack of integrity, but was unable to positively influence him and eventually gave up the friendship in an attempt to save his own reputation. While Leland was devastated by the loss of his friendship with Kane, of the two foils he is most at fault or perhaps just guilty of not being as good a friend. In short, Banquo is blindly loyal, and Leland abandons Kane rather than try to help him, so he is more culpable for the tragic events that follow.
William Shakespeare, one of the greatest English play writers, has had a profound influence upon different societies globally since the fifteenth century, for his plays inspire many contemporary artists to present new scopes reflecting their societies. Considered as one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, Macbeth has a completely disparate interpretation of the movie Scotland, PA, which translates the original play into a black comedy. A Scottish royal and general, Macbeth the protagonist undergoes a demonic transformation in personality, in which he unethically takes the crown by murdering numerous characters. The director of the movie alters the plot while maintaining the basic semblance of power, ambition, and masculinity from Shakespeare’s work. In the movie, the alteration of the process Macbeth usurps the power of Duncan, including his internal and external incentives, gives the audience a fresh perspective on one of the English classical plays.
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.
Julius Caesar is a well-known historical figure that was known for his leadership, power, and untimely end. Years before his tragic fate however, it is said that the Roman Dictator foreshadowed his own death when he said, “If I fail it is only because I have too much pride and ambition.” Like Julius, many throughout the history of the world has experienced the negative impacts of an excess of misplaced ambition. The authors of the stories Macbeth, Antigone, and “Ozymandias”, try to warn against this fatal flaw and its repercussions through their well-crafted stories and characters. If one allows their ambition to control their life; they will ultimately fail in what truly matters: family, faith, and their own honor.
As what critic Joseph White accurately describes as “more vicious and less pitiable,” Rupert Goold’s Macbeth is perceived by the viewers of film as a Stalin-like dictator. The halls of his palace are decorated with murals of his face. The film also illustrates the large masses of crowds. Through this perspective of Macbeth, Rupert Goold emphasizes the theme of the corrosive power of unbridled ambition.
In the beginning of Act I, Macbeth is regarded by King Duncan and many others as a noble man, more specifically a “valiant cousin” and a “worthy gentlemen” due to his loyalty to the crown and courage in battle. As a reward for his courage and allegiance, Macbeth is to become the Thane of Cawdor in addition to his position as the Thane of Glamis. However, before notified of this “promotion,” Macbeth and Banquo meet with three witches who greet the men with prophecies regarding their futures. At this time, Macbeth is told he is to become Thane of Cawdor and the king of Scotland in the future, but the witches also give Banquo a prophecy that his descendants are also to become kings. In line 78 of scene iii, Macbeth questions their strange knowledge and commands, “Speak, I charge you,” in order to learn more about his future. Catching his attention with news of such value, his natural reaction is to inquire for more information. This can be considered a spark of Macbeth’s tragic flaw because selfishness begins to arise when he demands t...
The play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare illustrates how greed for power and wealth can result in the destruction of oneself as well as others. The play's central character, Macbeth is not happy as a high-ranking thane - leading him to assassinate Duncan to become King, while unknowingly dooming himself. Throughout the play many examples are evident of Macbeth's unquenchable thirst for power.
Shakespeare’s writing of Macbeth captivated his audience and kept them on the edge of their seats. Macbeth is a classic tale of greed and corruption. The more power a person has the more corrupted they become. They had to have what they did and more, it was never enough. They would do whatever it took to get what they wanted even if it meant killing the King of Scotland, just so they could have it all. Corruption controls and destroys lives and will turn you into a person that others don’t want to be around. It changed the lives of the people of Scotland and corruption still changes lives today. When a person is in power too long and the decisions they make directly conflict with others they don’t feel responsible for their actions. The facts remain, whether you prefer the truth or the captivating fiction, both stories of Macbeth will be remembered for years to
Shakespeare depicts the corruptive power of ambition to the audience as the protagonist, Macbeth is led by his unchecked ambition despite acknowledging it. Macbeth's private ambitions are made clear to the audience through his asides and soliloquies. Macbeth who was initially faithful to Duncan and was aware of his ambition, couldn't control it and thus, made him become a murderous tyrant, obsessed with power and full of fear and insecurities. From the beginning of the play, Macbeth had ambitions. This was shown once the witches told Banquo and him the prophecies. Macbeth is left confused but it sparked his ambition. Banquo ponders aloud, 'the instruments of darkness tell us truths, (to) win us with honest trifles,' to then 'betrays in deepest consequence.' Banquo tries to metaphorically explain to Macbeth that the witches only told them some truth so that they could make Macbeth believe them. Unknowingly, Banquo foreshadows Macbeth's decision to betray Duncan and kill him. After this, Macbeth's corruptive ambition and thirst for power thrives. However, prior to Duncan's death, Macbeth was aware of his ambition but his morals didn't fit them. Thus, his initial decision to not kill King Duncan. He had clearly stated that he 'have no spur to prick the sides of my intent,' but it is 'only vaulting ambition, which overleaps itself and falls on the other.' Macbeth metaphorically
William Shakespeare's play Macbeth is a five-act drama that shows a clear example of how pride, greed, and power can alter a man's actions and personality. The taste of power blinds the story's main character, Macbeth. Sparked by Lady Macbeth, he becomes heartless and cruel as he kills anyone who is a threat to his power due to his paranoia of losing the throne. This fear ironically leads to his downfall and loss of the throne. The theme of the story is deceit and evil and how they affect a man's decisions.
Perhaps the most fundamental theme of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the inherent corruptibility of even a seemingly good man when ambition turns to greed, and Macbeth himself exemplifies this concept throughout the play. While at the outset he is seen to be loyal to his king, generally considered trustworthy, and displaying numerous other laudable qualities, Macbeth ultimately succumbs to the influence of those around him and becomes unequivocally evil, setting aside all his previously held morals and coming to be driven only by his lust for power. This transition is brought about by a wide variety of factors and plays an integral role in the development of the plot. In his tragedy Macbeth, William Shakespeare employs
Among the greatest gifts that the renaissance produced was the eloquent and incredible Shakespearean plays. Written mostly in the 1590s these plays have been performed and admired countless times; entertaining mass audiences by providing interesting tales that explore the depth of human insights and the different universal themes. Among the many Shakespearean plays Macbeth, written in 1606, stands out with its short composition but multiple themes. This tragedy narrates the tale of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s quest to grasp ultimate power by ignoring their morals and succumbing to their dark desires, which ultimately leads to their downfall. This tragic play portrays the desires, needs, and temptations that accompany ambition in men and women. However the ambition in Macbeth is blind, it does not abide to the morals, but it allows space for dark actions as means necessary for accomplishment. Blind ambition serves as the main driving force that drives Macbeth to subdue to his dark desires, defy his noble behavior, and ultimately his downfall.
Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” explores a fundamental struggle of the human conscience. The reader is transported into the journey of a man who recognizes and acknowledges evil but still succumbs to its destructive powers. The character of Macbeth is shrouded in ambiguity that scholars have claimed as both being a tyrant and tragic hero. Macbeth’s inner turmoil and anxieties that burden him throughout the entire play evoke sympathy and pity in the reader. Though he has the characteristics of an irredeemable tyrant, Macbeth realizes his mistakes and knows there is no redemption for his sins. And that is indeed tragic.
Macbeth is a play revolving around many key ideas observed in Shakespeare’s time with various messages communicated to the audience successfully, despite the lack of the cinematic effects present in today’s literature entertainment. The interweaved themes of immoral ambition and corruption are displayed throughout the text, unveiling the corruptive nature of one’s excessive greed for supremacy, affecting both themselves and others. This idea in Macbeth is successfully conveyed to the audience in Shakespeare’s time through the literary devices of characterisation, soliloquy and plot.
Perhaps one of the most controversial characters in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the third murderer is a character that has puzzled people for centuries. Given no identity of the third murderer, the reader is left to his own devices to analyze who this culprit might be. In an article, Michael Baird Saenger possesses a theory, in which he states that the third murderer is none other than Satan himself. Contrary to Saenger, in another article, Henry Irving describes the third murderer as being a trusted attendant of Macbeth. Although both articles are well thought out, the third murderer is more likely another suspect who often is overlooked.
The Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition The main theme of Macbeth - the destruction wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints - finds its most powerful expression in the play's two main characters. Macbeth is a courageous Scottish general who is not naturally inclined to commit evil deeds, yet he deeply desires power and advancement. He kills Duncan against his better judgment and afterward stews in guilt and paranoia. Toward the end of the play, he descends into a kind of frantic, boastful madness.