Power and Greed - Macbeth

Power and Greed: The Driving Force behind the Story of Macbeth The rise of an individual and the gain of power can often be intoxicating. This control placed in the hands of one can often ignite thoughts and actions of greed found deep inside. This can often be seen in the history of civilization as countless leaders have neglected the good of their people to fuel their own selfish desires. Lord Acton once expressed, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This is embodied in the play, Macbeth by William Shakespeare as numerous characters abuse power to manipulate and destroy the lives of many. Though the examination of, Lady Macbeth, the three witches and Macbeth, it becomes apparent how the gain and loss of power corrupted them majorly. Lady Macbeth’s power over her relationship with Macbeth corrupts her thoughts and actions as it becomes apparent in her savageness, ability to conceive her emotions and change in character as she loses power. When Lady Macbeth comes in power, her actions become very corrupt as she becomes more savage. This can be seen when Lady Macbeth receives a letter from Macbeth saying that he has been fated to become king by the three witches, Lady Macbeth immediately intends on killing the current king, Duncan as she expresses, “that my keen knife see not the wound it makes” (1.5.52). This shows how her power over Macbeth has made her resort to such savage acts to help her husband attain the throne. The power Lady Macbeth holds in her relationship also corrupted Lady Macbeth’s actions as she was able to better conceive her thoughts and actions to appear but a mere innocent lady. This is seen numerous times but especially after the murder of Duncan has been announced. In the scene, she is able to expertly fool the nobles into thinking she has gone into a state of shock as she learns of the news, “woe, alas! What, in our house?” (2.3.86-87 ) Lady Macbeth then faints and is carried away. Not only does her line