It is easier to rule with terror and fear than to force the people to be happy and to love the ruler. According to Machiavelli, to be an effective ruler, one must rule without a moral conscience, because feelings and emotions would interfere with difficult decisions. In the play,
Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is a notorious leader who rules with the power of fear among his people and leaves behind his moral conscience. Macbeth is a successful ruler with terror because he causes Duncan’s heirs, Donalbain and Malcolm to flee Scotland, he gains authority quickly and with little suspicion, and displays acts of justice towards Macduff.
Macbeth instills fear among Duncan’s heirs who are supposed to take the throne if
Duncan was to die. After everyone discovers that Duncan had been murdered, Donalbain and
Malcolm acts quickly and flees Scotland in order to protect themselves. Donalbain says to
Malcolm, “What should be spoken here, where our fate, hide in an auger hole, may rush and seize us? Let’s away. Our tears are not yet brewed” (II.iii.12-15). Because of Macbeth’s actions, he successfully takes control and causes Donalbain and Malcolm to flee. This makes it easier for
Macbeth to become king. They both agree to separate, and Malcolm says, “What will you do?
Let’s not consort with them. To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does say.
I’ll to England” (II.iii. 127-129). With the both of them out of the country, and out of Macbeth’s
Cao 2 way, Macbeth takes the throne and is the new king of Scotland. This action proves that it is better to be feared than loved.
Macbeth attains his authority quickly because he terrifies Duncan’s heirs. He did not have to wait a long time for his power. Once Macbeth is the king, he holds a state banquet to celebrate his authority. Banquo says to Macbeth, “Let your Highness command upon me, to the which my duties are with a most indissoluble tie forever