Examples Of Power Corrupts In Macbeth

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William Shakespeare is the greatest writer in history with his excellent plays. He had a major affect on society and politics during the time. His play Macbeth had a major impact back then and still to this day 600 years later. Macbeth had a major theme that affected the whole play which was power corrupts. This theme was shown and developed throughout the play from the beginning until the end. In William Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth the theme of power corrupts was shown to demonstrate how Macbeth was only chasing power. When Macbeth is discussing his plot to kill Duncan to Lady Macbeth so he could be king, he states “Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives. Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.” (2.2.56). The idea of whether or not to kill Duncan is driving Macbeth to go nuts; so much that he begins to hallucinate a dagger in front of him. The dagger is just his subconscious, but it makes him make the decision that will change his life forever- to kill Duncan that night. This quote is from when his greed for power takes over and it leads to him killing the king and making Macbeth king. …show more content…
If ’t be so, For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind.”