Often times when debating who is the catalyst in a storyline, the conclusion typically ends upon the character committing the actions that push the plot forward. In many of Shakespeare's works the determined, power hungry character is very clear to the audience and this makes the plays seem more straightforward. His work Macbeth, leaves the audience questioning who is the assertive figure, whose motivation pushes the play through its tragedies. However, while reading the text Macbeth by William Shakespeare, one can conclude that Lady Macbeth is the individual who is pursuing power vigorously; this is displayed throughout the play in Lady Macbeth's dialogue with her husband and in her soliloquies. Her manipulative speeches confuse the audience and lead them to question who is the most motivated and power hungry character that is controlling the murderous actions of the play. This vital role is an ambiguous one that leaves the audience questioning if it was the witches, Macbeth, or Lady Macbeth who filled these shoes, though can be argued with the evidence provided in the play.
Lady Macbeth is able to pressure her husband, Macbeth, into killing in order to gain power for the both of them, she kept him going down the destructive path by belittling the horrendous actions he took, and making them seem trivial. If they were to be be caught both of them would be in trouble, but if successful, they both had much to gain and it was enough power that pushed them to decide to take
Macbeth informs his wife Lady Macbeth of the previous events through a letter. She is ecstatic when realising one of the predictions from the witches has already come true. She sets her mind on obtaining the throne for her husband by any means necessary. Lady Macbeth also has a strong desire for power but can only gain this through her husband. She becomes the driving force behind the wicked deed of murdering the King. She summons upon evil spirits to make sure nothing will stand in the way of her plan:
In Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth arrays a daunting, chilling, and manipulating woman. Lady Macbeth's’ role is being Macbeth’s wife. Although they show a strong love for eachother, Lady Macbeth still has a pugnacious side to her. This character convinces a brave, strong warrior (Macbeth) to murder the righteous King Duncan (Scottish King). She is very power hungry, comparable to characters in other Shakespearean plays (like Caesar). If she did not manipulate, Macbeth may not have murdered. He may have stayed a humble, guilt free, and bold leader. Before the murder of the king, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to, “look like an innocent flower, / But be the serpent under’t” (1.5.64-65). Meaning, be evil in your heart, but look
Macbeth demonstrates an important lesson. It demonstrates that having too much power makes people make harsh decisions. It also shows you should trust your best judgement and not always the one that you are told to do. In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare Macbeth is visited by witches that tell him he will be king. He first thinks nothing of it, but when his wife hears of the prophecy she pushes him to fulfil his “destiny”. His wife convinces him to kill the king so he can be crowned. After killing the king, he executes the chamberlains to show his new power as king. Macbeth and his wife kill, or try to execute the next people in line, to ensure that they stay in power. They become greedy for power and abuse the power they already have. At the end of the play Macbeth and his wife get what they deserve, which is death.
As there is already a King in power, Lady Macbeth and her husband face a difficult decision. In order for Macbeth to be King, the reigning King Duncan would have to die. Lady Macbeth is a kind and gentle women but when she is faced with the temptation of a higher power she turns to darkness to help her commit this sin(quote about de womanizing her). Leading up to the murder of King Duncan, Lady Macbeth doesn't believe that Macbeth is strong enough and doubts his ability to be a man and take charge. (quote about milk of human kindness). Her doubt about her husband stays with her throughout the play and is what constantly drives a wedge between their relationship. What once was a marriage full of love, now is filled with manipulation and
Macbeth, from Shakespeare’s world renowned Macbeth, serves as an example as the type of person who has their sight set on power and control and is willing to let their unchecked ambition get ahead of them. Macbeth had such a strong desire for power that he was even willing to commit the evil act of murdering King Duncan. Macbeth has chosen the path of evil, which for Macbeth this includes murdering loyal friends, scheming with apparitions and witches, and even murdering sleep, but now there is no turning back.
In Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, destruction is wrought when ambition goes rampant by moral constraints. “Macbeth” amplifies the fight amidst good vs evil, analyzing the psychological effects of King Duncan's murder. This tragedy concerned the plunge of a great man (King) from his position of nobility to humility on behalf of his ambitious pride. This pride causes the downfall of Macbeth that triggers a series of deaths down the line. Ambition is the driving force of the play.
No sane person goes on a killing spree, and it is greed for power that drives Macbeth to the murders of many. In the story, Macbeth begins as the Thane of Glamis. He is already a large contributor in battle and this leads him to success early on in the plot. However, he doesn’t realize that he wants more power until he is told prophecies by three witches, and his wife- Lady Macbeth manipulates him. In the prophecies, he is told that he will become Thane of Cawdor, and then King. Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan after the battle in the beginning of the story, so part of the prophecy comes true right away. It is not until Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth about the prophecies through a letter, that Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill King Duncan to obtain the throne. King Duncan is Macbeth’s first murder to begin his reign for power. He is now throned King, but his greed for power doesn’t stop there. Macbeth kills anyone who he feels threatens his title as King. He has loyal companion Banquo killed because he feels Banquo might know that he killed King Duncan-if Banquo told others, this would lead to the de-throning of Macbeth as king- taking away his power. Insanity in Macbeth truly shines through when he kills Banquo, because of their close relationship. Banquo was nothing but loyal to Macbeth throughout the story. As the plot thickens, the witches continue to tell prophecies to Macbeth. One of them being that he should fear Macduff. Macbeth then kills Macduff’s family as he fears Macduff will somehow dethrone him. As people who were once loyal to Macbeth betray him, Macbeth continues to strive for power as king, until he is defeated by Macduff. Ultimately, Macbeth begins the story as a noble, respected Thane, but his ambition and greed for power as King/staying King leads him to insanity full of murder and deception, until his death.
In this world, one of the strongest human drives seems to be the desire for power. In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Thane Macbeth seeks to gain power over Scotland. Through Macbeth’s search for power, he must choose between what is morally right or his inner motives. Macbeth gains power over others through the murders of King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff’s entire family along with his servants. After each murder, Macbeth becomes more confident in his search to gain power.
Lady Macbeth has the power over her husband to persuade him into doing anything she requests. She manipulates Macbeth with incredible efficiency by overruling all of his thoughts and changing his perspective on the present. Even though the many tasks that need to be completed are difficult to understand why they need to be done, Lady Macbeth will always convince Macbeth to do it. Her husband often tells her that she has a “masculine soul” which is obvious due to her murderous and envious actions. When the time came to kill king Duncan, Macbeth believes that his wife has gone insane and tells her that the crime they were about to commit was a horrible idea. As a result of his questioning, Lady Macbeth says that executing the crime will show his loyalty to her. On the night of the assassination Lady Macbeth watched the guards of the castle become drunk and unaware of what was going on. Lady Macbeth sent her husband into the castle to kill King Duncan. The married couple fled the scene leaving the guards covered in the evidence. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are stained with the blood of their victims and the feeling of guilt in their stomach.
“Davis do not necessarily read this scene as a birth sequence, but almost always reads it as an indication of Macbeths powerlessness in the face of the witches fate controlling spells. This perceived power I imbalance has led critics to lament the un Shakespearean nature of the dramatic tensions in wellness film; rather than depict Macbeth as a complex character, who struggles with his conscience”.
“I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’ other‘.” William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ explores the central themes of guilt, ambition and power. Yet Shakespeare’s intentions were to suit the expectations and knowledge of the audience in the Elizabeathan society.
Power is something one can find in all aspects of life. Whether in a relationship between two people or over an entire country, many people hold power in their lives. What is done with that power is up to the person who holds it and can be a strong reflection of their character. Too many people in positions of power become so wrapped up in wanting total control, that they lose sight of what is right and wrong. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, power is demonstrated many ways through many different characters. Power and ambition greatly affects the choices people make everyday.
Ambition plays a large role in this tragedy. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have a very srtong ambition that drives them. Lady Macbeth's ambition drives her to manipulate Macbeth into committing murder. Macbeth's aggressive ambition is present before the witch's
Lady Macbeth can be said to be one of Shakespeare's most famous and frightening female characters. She fulfills her role among the nobility and is well respected, like Macbeth. She is loving, yet very determined that her husband will be king. At the beginning of the play, when she is first seen, she is already plotting the murder of Duncan, showing more strength, ruthlessness, and ambition than Macbeth. She lusts after power and position and then pressures her husband into killing Duncan. Upon receiving the letter with the witches' prophecies from her husband, she begins to think and knowing that Macbeth lacks the courage for something like this, she calls upon the forces of evil to help her do what must be
In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the focus that is placed on the character of Lady Macbeth helps to convey the play's theme of the strife created by the struggle for power and control that is present throughout the entire work. Shakespeare presents her character in great detail and shows her to be a dominating, authoritative woman who thrives on the power she holds over her husband. He then shows the principle character, Macbeth, rise up and join his wife in a struggle for power of his own. It is the actions that Macbeth takes in attempt to achieve ultimate authority that lead to his downfall, and it is Lady Macbeth's loss of control over her husband as he gains this independence which causes her own