The Influence of Power in Macbeth

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, the most prevailing theme is the shift in power in the relationships of the central character. The main character of the play, Macbeth, experiences a shift in control of his relationships as he gains more power.

Duncan is the most unlikely character to be killed because of his personality, but because he is the King of Scotland, Macbeth loathes him. In the play there is very interaction between Macbeth and Duncan, showing the little time in which Macbeth gets more power. Prior to the witches’ prophecies Macbeth is loyal to Duncan, and would never imagine killing him. After the one of the witches’ prophecies comes to be true, the thought of killing Duncan, Macbeth "yield[s] to that suggestion / whose horrid image doth unfix my hair / and make my seated heart knock at my ribs," showing that he originally would never imagine killing Duncan. (1.3.146-148) Partly because of Lady Macbeth’s suggestion his "vaulting ambition" is starting to take over, and he begins to take into consideration killing Duncan. (1.7.27) Macbeth however, does not feel confident in killing Duncan, giving himself reasons why not to kill him: “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject/…then, as his host, /Who should against his murderer shut the door/Not bear the knife myself,” Lady Macbeth, convinces Macbeth, that killing Duncan is the right thing to do until right before he performs the murder. (1.7. 13-16) After the Macbeth murders Duncan, one sees that Macbeth trusts and is loyal to Duncan, but knowing that one day he would become king, his ambition and the persuasion by Lady Macbeth, causes him to perform the act, that he will regret. This murder changes Macbeth as a person, however, and he soon feels little regret for killing...

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...anquo and his son Fleance, the prophesied heir of the throne, in which he states how Banquo “was your enemy,” referring to the murderers, and how Banquo is Macbeth’s enemy as well, showing that Macbeth and Banquo’s relationship changed from camaraderie to being on opposing sides. (3.1.130)

In the Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the complex character of Macbeth, to reveal a message about relationships. He shows that the more power one receives, the more naracastic that person will become, and will only make decisions in his or her best interests. After Macbeth becomes King, all of his actions are based on keeping his position in power, and making sure no one will find out about his previous measures in becoming King.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. Boston: D.C. Heath and Company, 1915. Google Books. Web. 3 Sept. 2015.