Power is defined as the ability to direct the behaviour of others during a time of destruction. Power is a reoccurring theme in William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth that was written in 1606. The play was written to take place during the 11th century when in Scotland both Queen Elizabeth I and King James I were both reigned. In the play both Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth are hungry for the power to be King. This desire for power leads them both to their biggest character flaws. As events unfold in the play the couple develops into what becomes tragic characters. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s demise is a result of their selfish ambition, abuse of power and power of illusion.
The relentless ambition to do something …show more content…
Between Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Malcolm to Macduff, they create a mindset, which of course turns out to be a power of illusion. Firstly, the witches prophesy of him to become the King of Scotland seemed to be a blessing that he would hope to conquer. The way this turned out to be a power of illusion, is because his thoughts of becoming the King of Scotland seemed very exciting. Once he executed Duncan, Macbeth became King and it was not what he hoped for. Macbeth lost the people of Scotland’s trust, friends and family. Secondly, Lady Macbeth thinks all good will come out when she becomes Queen. She thought that becoming Queen would be best for her where she would have growth in power, money and prestige. The Queen of Scotland now realises that the murder of Duncan and all her thoughts of greatness when becoming Queen have turned out the opposite. Lady Macbeth is now being over powered by Macbeth, which is why she goes crazy and leads to her death. Clearly her thoughts of being the Queen of Scotland have turned to be a power of illusion. Finally, Malcolm decided he wanted to test MacDuff and he did so by using power of illusion. As they talk about how horrible Macbeth is as he reigns over Scotland, Malcom plays an illusion to trick MacDuff into thinking Malcolm is worse than the current King. Malcom says to MacDuff, “All continent impediments would o 'erbear That did oppose my will. Better Macbeth Than such an one to reign.” (4.3 65-67). Malcom is saying how his desire would overpower anyone who stood in his way and how it would be better if Macbeth reigns over Scotland. MacDuff tends to believe this. On the other hand, later on in the play when he is ordered to the kingdom, he pans out to be just fine and a lot better then Macbeth was when he reigned over Scotland. This power of illusion through telling MacDuff he couldn’t live up to be a good King and