In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the theme of power is prevalent throughout the text. The characters in the play constantly strive for more power and are willing to do whatever it takes to attain it. This desire for power is often expressed through the use of quotes, which reveal the characters' thoughts and motivations.
One quote that exemplifies the theme of power is spoken by Macbeth himself: "I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er" (Act 3, Scene 4). In this quote, Macbeth is acknowledging that he has done so many heinous acts in pursuit of power that it would be pointless to turn back now. He is fully committed to the path of violence and manipulation that he has chosen. This quote reveals the all-consuming nature of the desire for power, as Macbeth is willing to completely abandon his moral compass in order to attain it.
Another quote that highlights the theme of power is spoken by Lady Macbeth: "I have given suck, and know / How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: / I would, while it was smiling in my face, / Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums, / And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you / Have done to this" (Act 1, Scene 7). In this quote, Lady Macbeth is expressing her willingness to do anything, even murder her own child, in order to attain power. This quote reveals the extreme lengths that some characters are willing to go to in order to gain power, and the complete lack of moral scruples they possess in the pursuit of it.
A third quote that illustrates the theme of power is spoken by Macbeth's nemesis, Macduff: "All my pretty ones? / Did you say all? O hell-kite! All? / What, all my pretty chickens and their dam / At one fell swoop?" (Act 4, Scene 3). In this quote, Macduff is expressing his outrage and grief at the news that Macbeth has murdered his family. The use of the word "fell swoop," which means sudden and violent, highlights the brutal nature of Macbeth's pursuit of power. This quote also reveals the devastating consequences of the quest for power, as Macduff has lost everything he holds dear.
In conclusion, the theme of power is a central one in "Macbeth," and is expressed through a variety of quotes that reveal the characters' thoughts and motivations. These quotes show the all-consuming nature of the desire for power, the extreme lengths that some characters are willing to go to in order to attain it, and the devastating consequences that can result from the quest for power.
Macbeth Power Quotes
Laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth Act 4, Scene 1, 80-81. He's very fearful of Banquo because he's noble, smart, brave, and is carefully cunning Act 3, Scene 1, 48-54. Once power is achieved, how that power is used is another story. Sane goes to crazy, and crazy goes to schizophrenia. Let not light see my black and deep desires. When powerful people take action, its often a reaction to someone else's action.
Macbeth Quotes About Power
How people react to power varies by how you attain power, retain power, and ultimately lose power. . That shalt be king hereafter. The play is about the pitiful end of the tragic hero, Macbeth, whose ambition to rise in rank and become a king makes him and his wife commit grievous murders. Rather than so, come, Fate, into the list, 75 And champion me to the utterance! If good, why do I yield to that suggestion, Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs Against the use of nature? He tells her to give Banquo her special attention, because they need to fool Banquo. Power And Corruption In Shakespeare's Macbeth 496 Words 2 Pages At the beginning of the play Macbeth, the main character Macbeth learns that he will become King. In the play, the audience sees how different characters are concerned with power and how they act to maintain it.
Examples Of Power In Macbeth
Early on in the play, ¨Macbeth¨, Macbeth is seen as an honorable man toward everyone, especially toward king Duncan. Manipulation is typically seen only as negative and only benefits the originator. Want to know more about the play and its characters? Some of the time, however, the person in that power is not the best person to be in that power. From the very start of the play, we see that Macbeth's ambition is goaded by his relationships with the witches and Lady Macbeth. In the story Macbeth by Shakespeare it shows how two men will achieve their destinies, but one of them is told that he will be king and the other is told that his descendants will be king.
Power in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
The Position Of Power Revealed In Shakespeare's Macbeth 856 Words 4 Pages In the position of power, people are often driven off the deep side. Authority, or simply the desire of control, can cause people to act in incomprehensible ways. Is this a dagger which I see before me, This handle toward my hand? Shakespeare shows us that fate is complicated by our actions, Macbeth will do anything to meet his fate that in the end lead him to his death because of his greediness. She believes he's not strong enough to commit a crime for the sake of becoming king Act 1, Scene 5, 22-25. Fortune turns against Macbeth; as a civil war breaks out to dethrone him, and Lady Macbeth commits suicide after being overtaken by grief. Ere the bat hath flown his cloistered flight, ere to black The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done A deed of dreadful note.
