Macbeth
Macbeth starts out the play coming back home from war with a new title and a prophecy about his future. The witches he encounters make it very clear that he will some day be King of Scotland. Contrary to his wife’s reaction, Macbeth’s first thought isn’t that he has to murder the current king of Scotland. In fact, he doesn’t even belief the prophecy at first. But eventually, Macbeth is able to be persuaded by his wife and go through with the murder of King Duncan. From here, Macbeth begins his downward spiral and soon there after he kills his close friend Banquo all because of his thirst for power. Before this prophecy, the only people Macbeth killed were on the battlefield. Suddenly as he begins to acquire more power, it is easier for him to rationalize killing outside of the war atmosphere. This just goes to show how dangerous power can be and how it was able to completely corrupt Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is one of the first characters in Macbeth that shows how big of an impact power can have on the decisions we make. Upon reading her husband’s letter describing the witches’ prophecy she immediately comes to the conclusion that they have to murder King Duncan. Sure they could have left the prophecy alone and been content with the new honor Macbeth had bestowed on him, but no, Lady Macbeth wanted more power and she wanted it right then. She proceeds to taunt and mock Macbeth until he finally gives in and agrees to murder King Duncan. Her desire for power completely clouds her judgement and makes her neglect her responsibilities. That night King Duncan was a guest in their home and as a hostess she is supposed to make sure he is comfortable and safe, not arrange for his murder. In addition the King had just done something really great for Macbeth. In killing Duncan they are betraying a close friend all in the name of wanting more power.
Power in macbeth