Macbeth Essay

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control others’ lives through evil. In the tragedy “Macbeth" there are many examples of corruption. When Macbeth became Thane of Cawdor his wife, Lady Macbeth, was very delighted to hear of such news. When hearing that Duncan, the king, would be coming to stay at their castle, the idea of murdering Duncan to make Macbeth the king was conceived. The corruption of power can be seen as soon as Macbeth is crowned thane of Cawdor, Lady Macbeth desires to obtain even more power. Macbeth decides to oppose his morals to gain power and murders Duncan despite admitting he was a good leader. “Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off”. As the play carries on the corruption becomes greater with the killing of Banquo. Banquo who was a friend of Macbeth is betrayed when Macbeth, the newly crowned king, orders him to be killed as Macbeth irrationally believed Banquo’s son, Fleance, will take the throne away from him as the witches’ prophecies had shown Banquo’s heirs in control of the throne, “To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings”. Macbeth abuses his power to advantage himself similar to the manner of which many corrupt leaders in today’s world are using power for personal gain. The greatest issue is when personalised power dominates and the leader gains, it is often at the followers’ expense just as shown in Macbeth. When an individual is in a state of overwhelming power they sometimes believe nothing can happen against their will and they are invincible. This is what Macbeth believed and there was something terrible bound to happen to and that’s exactly what happens to Macbeth.

Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” is still relevant today as it explores issues which are still present in today’s society. Macbeth’s ambition for power is depicted frequently throughout the play and can also be compared to today’s longing to achieve and to be superior. His journey to power is tainted by corruption which is also present in today’s society particularly in hierarchal societies. These issues, are both present in “Macbeth” and today’s world and still affect us greatly.