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Desire For Power In Macbeth

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The tragic play, Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, amplifies the destructive psychological and political consequences when immoral decisions are chosen to fulfill the strong desire for power. Shakespeare emphasizes the tragedy of the play through the themes of manipulation, betrayal, and the desire for power. He also uses recurring motifs and symbols, such as hallucinations, lack of sleep, and nature, to help develop the plot of the play.
The play begins with an atmosphere of mystery, superstition, and uncertainty with three witches that bring a supernatural element to the plot. They embody temptation, but also personify the evil forces of the world. Macbeth, a brave Scottish general, receives a prophecy from these three witches in which he will become thane of Cawdor and eventually the king of Scotland; however, Macbeth’s loyal partner, Banquo, …show more content…

It is simultaneously the high point of Macbeth’s reign and also the beginning of his downfall. As Macbeth goes to sit at the head of the table, he sees Banquo’s ghost sitting in his chair, but it is a hallucination, only seen by Macbeth. It is a form of his guilty conscience. Lady Macbeth, trying to protect him from possible suspicions, tries to calm him and tells the guests that it is something that can just be ignored. After this, Macbeth realizes that he has too much guilt to continue the series of murders. He becomes aware that he is a mass destroyer. But only interested in his future, he is determined to proceed in his path of destruction. Her suppressed feeling eventually eats up Lady Macbeth in her dreams. She is no longer presented as an evil woman, but a mad beast, torn by the strain of her guilty feelings. Her suffering consists of lasting memories of guilt. She is restless and the mindfulness of the guilt burden her down. She finally considers suicide, as it is the only solution to end her eternal

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