Essay Macbeth - 776 Words

nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth, can be compared in many was to a Machiavellian prince. Macbeth’s ambition to be king and his desire for power are the basis of Machiavelli’s ideas, but when examined more closely we find many flaws in Macbeth’s character that Machiavelli warns will be destructive. Although Macbeth has many Machiavellian characteristics, Macbeth’s rise to power without true â€Å"fortune† or â€Å"virtue† leads him to his downfall. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic hero. Macbeth’s achieves his long time desire to be king, but his tragic flaw brings him to ruin. His character changes drastically during the play. At†¦show more content†¦With encouragement from his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth is able to murder Duncan to become king, although Macbeth has always been considered a noble man. Machiavelli writes that in order to keep power a prince does not have to be loyal to his friends and subjects. He also states that â€Å"it is necessary for a prince†¦to learn how not to be good.† Macbeth seems to be capable of having these qualities. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;A lot of Macbeth’s actions in the play are led by his desire to be king and idea that his fate to be king is predetermined. He hears the witches’ prophecy of his future, which gives him confidence to kill Duncan and follow his ambition to be king. These two drives can somewhat be compared to Machiavelli’s idea of fortune and virtue. Machiavelli’s term â€Å"fortune† can be described as one’s destiny or fate. The term â€Å"virtue† is personality qualities that allow one to rule, like greatness, strength, or determination. Machiavelli believes either fortune or virtue is necessary to gain power. The witch’s prophesy may seem to be â€Å"fortune† and Macbeth’s desire for power may seem to be â€Å"virtue†, but Machiavelli might not completely agree. In order to become king, Macbeth had to murder his friends and kinsmen; Machaivelli’s would not consider this to be fortune. Gaining power through fortune should be effortless and would occur much more naturally, as in being an heir to the throne from one’s father. Machiavelli may not considerShow MoreRelatedMacbeth : Macbeth 1411 Words   |  6 PagesPeter Klimek Mrs. Moeller Macbeth Rough Draft 3/7/16 Ambitionz Az Macbeth Macbeth is a character in a play by Shakespeare with a tragic flaw. He had a quick rise to power and shortly after that a fall. Macbeth’s tragic downfall is a consequence of his vaulting ambition which is fueled by greed, fear and arrogance. Lady Macbeth and the three witches also have a major key in influencing his emotions. They manipulated the emotions he felt so he acted more rashly on them. Macbeth was a guy that couldRead MoreMacbeth Essays : Macbeth 1064 Words   |  5 PagesMacbeth Analytical Essay In life, there are two types of people: those who do the right thing and those who don’t. In the play Macbeth, by Shakespeare, the main character Macbeth is given a prophecy by three witches that says he will become king; however, there is no descending line of kings of his own blood. With the knowledge of the Witches’ prophecy, Macbeth’s ambition, and manipulation from his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth is quickly dragged into a never-ending, bloody murder rampage to obtainRead MoreMacbeth - Imagery in Macbeth1331 Words   |  6 Pagesart of making images, the products of imagination. In the play Macbeth Shakespeare applies the imagery of clothing, darkness and blood. (listed from least to most), Each detail is his imagery, it seems to contain an important symbol of the play. Symbols that the reader must understand if they are to interpret either the passage or the play as a whole. 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To ignore the premonitions  or to go ahead,  knowing that if you do go ahead you would  destroy the natural order? This is what Macbeth had to solve within himself,  his internal conflict. Ladies and Gentlemen, an overriding theme of conflict is established within William Shakespeare’s tragic play â€Å"Macbeth†. Conflict. What is conflict? We simply define conflict as the struggle between opposite forces or different opinions between people. Though it doesn’t always haveRead MoreMacbeth739 Words   |  3 PagesSynopsis Macbeth  is a play about a Scottish nobleman who learns, from a prophecy given to him by three witches, that he is to become king. When Macbeths ambition overcomes his moral judgement, he assassinates the reigning king and fulfils the prophecy. In doing so, however, he undermines his own rule with insecurity - insecurity he created when he upset the natural succession to the throne. Beheaded in battle, Macbeths death allows the rightful heir to reclaim the throne and order is restoredRead MoreMacbeth1388 Words   |  6 Pages Macbeth: Character Analysis The Tragedy of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, is about a soldier, Macbeth, and his friend, Banquo, who meet up with three strange witches who share prophecies with the two men. Macbeth is told that he will become king someday and rule the land of Scotland. The rest of the play follows the actions of once a loyal soldier turned into a greedy king, who seeks to hold the crown forever no matter what the consequences may be. Throughout the play Macbeth displays himselfRead MoreMacbeth757 Words   |  4 Pagesat me† Macbeth to Banquo’s ghost. â€Å"This is the very painting of your fear† Lady Macbeth to her husband. â€Å"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble†. Witches (4.1.1) Images of disguise and concealment (appearance vs reality): â€Å"Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under’t† Lady Macbeth, 1, 5 â€Å"False face must hide what the false heart doth know† Macbeth, 1,7 â€Å"There’s daggers in men’s smiles. The near in blood, the nearer bloody† Donalbain 2, 3. Macbeth tells