Macbeth Power Quotes

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Power can change people in a way that is bewildering. Power can make anyone so eager to control, that he or she will be resolute to get it, no matter what obstacle stands in their way. The Shakespearean play, Macbeth is a prime example of how power impacts an individual. Throughout the play, Macbeth faces a constant struggle for power, and his thirst for power leads to many unjust, and corrupt decisions. Also, if an individual obtains power over time, that power will alter one’s personality, making them apathetic towards others.
When an individual is in power, situations arise where they will take any opportunity to gain power using a corruptive, and wanton process, thus making the individual think more corruptly. One example from the play …show more content…
In this quote Macbeth is explaining to Lady Macbeth about how he cannot kill Duncan because he is, “his kinsman and his subject”. However, Macbeth eventually kills king Duncan ounce he is reminded of all the power he would secure if he kills Duncan, “I am settled, and bend up, each corporal agent to this terrible feat” (1.7.79-80). This quote highlights how the thought of power results in corruptive decision making. Macbeth notes that he is, “settled, and bend up” to commit “this terrible feat”. In other words, Macbeth implies that he is ready to kill Duncan, and secure the crown. As the play carries on, the amount of corruption escalates. Another example that emphasis power leading to corrupt decisions is when Macbeth is informed by the three witches that Banquo’s children will be heir to the throne, which eventually results in Macbeth killing Banquo because his children is a threat to his power, “though I could, with barefaced power sweep him from my …show more content…
One instant in Macbeth where power makes one apathetic is when, after the three witches warn Macbeth that Macduff is a threat to his power, now aware Macbeth finalizes a plan to kill Macduff’s family, “Seize upon Fife, give to th' edge o' th' sword, his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line” (4.1.171-174). This passage is an ideal example that demonstrates how power makes one apathetic towards others because Macbeth states that he will murder, “give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword, [Macduff’s] wife” and “[Macduff’s] babes”. The fact that Macbeth claims he will kill Macduff’s wife, and children illustrates how he does not posses sympathy towards people with innocence, thus making Macbeth’s personality apathetic, all due to the power he possesses after killing Duncan. Another example from the play that presents how power makes Macbeth apathetic is when he is told that his wife took her own life, “She should have died hereafter. There would have been a time for such a word, tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day” (5.5.20-23). The beginning of this famous speech given by Macbeth is an accurate example of how power makes one’s personality
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