Machiavelli’s interpretation of strong leadership is obtaining principality through criminal ideology. In terms of Machiavelli’s advice, Macbeth is an example of someone who acquires the throne in a criminal manner; due to the conspiracy and execution of the present king. Although Macbeth exhibits certain Machiavellian characteristics, he does not entirely aheed to Machiavelli's advice in The Prince. In terms of this advice, Macbeth is insufficient towards the Machiavelli foresight, resulting in a negative ability to see one's identity. For example, in Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth intended on murdering multiple people; however, instead of gathering all the potential competitors together, and then executing them; Macbeth prolonged the violence and killed one man at a time. This belief is against Machiavelli's guidance because of the series of murders Macbeth pursued. Macbeth followed the…show more content… Macbeth is selfish, and his self-preservation as well as guilt of having committed so many murders, is therefore non applicable towards the pursuit of Machiavelli's mandate. Yet, Macbeth, however, still portrays some Machiavellian characteristics, “ he was a great soldier and had just defeated Norway and the Thane of Cawdor (Shakespeare, page 27). Throughout his rule, the soldiers feared him, and Machiavelli believes it is better to be feared than loved to gain respect as a noble leader. Needless to say, Macbeth exhibits limited Machiavellian characteristics, and does not correspond to the advice that Machiavelli permits. Although Macbeth maintains the fear of his army, and is not opposed to using force to obtain desires; he, however, violates the mandated rule for all princes who wish to establish their rule. The misuse of crime and all offenses that are violent are necessary towards obtaining that rule, however they should be done at one
