Power Corrupts- Macbeth Essay Example

How to Backstab Your Companions Shakespeare composed a stunning tale filled with felony, havoc, and bloodshed. From the view of third person you are able to understand every character’s motives and reasoning, whether they be good or bad. Many times in this play actions seem to be one thing, but in reality are quite the opposite. The tale of Macbeth shows how power corrupts through greed, backstabbing, and secrecy. To a leader or best friend, Macbeth appears to be a loyal follower or companion, but after just a glimpse at power Macbeth turns on everyone without their knowledge, showing just how corruptive power can be. The prophecies set off a chain reaction. The Weïrd Sisters chant to Macbeth, showering him with what he wants to hear, feeding his greed. They plant a seed in his head, if he can be the Thane of Cawdor and Glamis, why can’t he be the king? The Weïrd Sisters started a fire of corruption in Macbeth’s mind and left his victims to deal with it. After the prophecies, Macbeth acts upon his greed to become king. The lure of power sets off a corruptive thought process unseen to the human eye, only visible to the reader. He chooses the evil way of getting things done, which causes a corrosive psychological stream of thoughts in both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Instead of letting fate take its course, Macbeth turns his back on the person who trusts him most, Kingunan. Macbeth invites the king over for a dinner and kills him while he is asleep. “I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?” (Shakespeare 55)
A similar, sad fate is given to Banquo, Macbeth’s best friend and right hand man. Despite fighting together, side by side, Macbeth still becomes wary. His brain has already become corrupted from a thirst for power which causes Macbeth to trust no one. Without anyone knowing, Macbeth turns against his best friend. He hires a band of savage killers to take out his best friend and his son: Know Banquo was your enemy So is he