The Corruption of Power

Power is an addiction, it is a corrupting feeling that can make a person greedy and evil. “Know Banquo as your enemy” (pg 89 line 130) says Macbeth to his murderers as he instructs them to kill Banquo. He only wants to kill him because Banquo is suspicious that Macbeth killed the king and fears that his children will not be kings. Once the power of king is given to Macbeth how can it be taken away how can a man not want his own well being and power. It is sad to know that human nature is one of greed and selfishness. Humans have fought, stole, and killed since the beginning of time for power and money, and that many humans only care for themselves. Through time we have seen how power can be addicting and how humans have done terrible things to obtain it. Know that Macbeth has tasted the glory of kings it will only give him more reason to kill anyone that threatens his position.

To thrive for his power Macbeth becomes compulsive and obsessive. I would say his flaw is his ambition and because of it he wants power and this clouds his morality and judgment. It can be deduced that Macbeth is good person, not by his act but he does show repentment and even delusional for committing acts of murder. He is blinded by his power and even though he has a clear perception of right and wrong, he still commits acts of murder for which he even repents even though he might not accept it. The other characters can also se this and his inconsistence of explanations of the murders and even start to wonder and question Macbeth.