power Flashcards
overview
In Macbeth, power is a central theme that drives the plot and character development. Macbeth’s ambition to gain and retain power leads him to commit murder and betray those closest to him, highlighting the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition. Lady Macbeth also embodies the destructive nature of power, urging her husband to act ruthlessly to achieve their goals. Throughout the play, power is shown as fragile and unstable, with Macbeth’s rise to the throne followed by his rapid downfall, as he loses control over both his kingdom and his own mind. Ultimately, Shakespeare explores how the pursuit of power can destroy individuals and societies, leading to chaos and ruin.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.
This quote is spoken by the three witches at the very beginning of the play. It’s important because it shows the theme of power right from the start. The witches speak in a way that suggests that right and wrong are not clear-cut. They’re saying that what seems good (fair) can actually be bad (foul), and vice versa. This idea sets the tone for the whole play, as power in Macbeth is often about manipulation and deception. The witches, with their supernatural power, challenge the natural order and suggest that the boundaries between good and evil are fluid, which makes it easier for people like Macbeth to be influenced and corrupt.
“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king!” (Act 1, Scene 3)
“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king!” (Act 1, Scene 3)
This line is significant because it is the moment the witches predict Macbeth will become king, which sets off the chain of events that leads to his downfall. Before this prophecy, Macbeth is just a loyal thane. The witches’ words stir his ambition and make him wonder if he is fated to rule, even though at this point it seems impossible. The use of the word “shalt” gives the prophecy a sense of inevitability, as if Macbeth’s future is already written, which makes him start to believe that becoming king is his destiny.
The power of the witches is shown here—they don’t just tell Macbeth what will happen; they plant a dangerous idea in his mind, making him think that he must act on it. This shows how power can be manipulative. Even though the witches don’t directly tell him how to become king, their words spark his ambition, leading him to consider drastic actions. Macbeth’s desire for power is awakened, and he becomes obsessed with the idea of fulfilling the prophecy, which eventually leads him to murder King Duncan.
“We have scorched the snake, not killed it.”
“We have scorched the snake, not killed it.” – Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 2)
In this line, Macbeth reflects on his actions after becoming king. The metaphor of “scorching the snake” suggests that although he has taken violent steps to seize power by murdering King Duncan, the consequences of his actions are far from over. The snake is an ancient symbol of danger and deceit, and by saying that he has only “scorched” it, Macbeth reveals that his grip on power is fragile and incomplete. He believes that the real threat to his rule—the “snake”—is still very much alive, lurking and waiting to strike. This illustrates how power, for Macbeth, isn’t a peaceful or stable condition. Even though he has achieved his goal of becoming king, he feels constantly threatened by the possibility of losing it, which leads him to commit more murders.
The phrase “not killed it” is also significant because it highlights Macbeth’s inability to truly overcome the threat to his power. Rather than having control over the situation, Macbeth is caught in a constant cycle of violence and fear. His paranoia about others—especially Banquo and his descendants—demonstrates how his power is not secure. The image of a snake that has been “scorched” but not killed reflects Macbeth’s awareness that his rise to power has come with an immense cost, and that his fear of losing it will drive him to further violence and destruction.
- “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.
- “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.” – Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 1)
This quote reveals Macbeth’s deep dissatisfaction with his position as king. At this point in the play, Macbeth has achieved his ambition of becoming king, but he is not content. He feels that being king is meaningless unless he can “safely” hold onto the crown. The word “nothing” in this context emphasizes how empty his achievement feels—it’s not enough to simply have power; he must be secure in his position. Macbeth’s fixation on “safety” highlights the insecurity that comes with power. This reveals that for Macbeth, power isn’t about honor or leadership, but rather about the protection and preservation of his position at all costs.
The phrase “safely thus” also reflects Macbeth’s growing obsession with control. Rather than being a noble king, Macbeth’s sense of power is built on paranoia and fear. In this speech, he is contemplating the lengths he must go to in order to secure his reign, leading him to plan the murder of Banquo and Fleance. This obsession with “safety” suggests that Macbeth has moved far beyond any desire for genuine power or leadership; he only cares about holding onto his position, even if it means committing further heinous acts.
Additionally, the repetition of “thus” underscores Macbeth’s fixation on his current situation. The repetition suggests that his thoughts are consumed by his power and how to keep it, further showing how power is dominating his mind and leading him toward madness. Macbeth’s inability to see power as anything other than something to be desperately clung to reveals the corrupting influence that power has on him, reducing him to a man who will stop at nothing to maintain his status, even if it destroys him.
“Turn hell-hound, turn!”
In this line, Macduff calls Macbeth a “hell-hound,” which is a metaphor that portrays Macbeth as a demonic, monstrous figure. The word “hell” connects Macbeth to evil and corruption, reinforcing how power has consumed him. The imperative verb “turn” suggests that Macduff is confronting Macbeth, calling him to face the consequences of his actions. The imagery of a “hell-hound” illustrates how Macbeth, in his quest for power, has become a creature of violence and evil, no longer human or noble. This line highlights how Macbeth’s pursuit of power has turned him into a tyrant who is now facing the wrath of those he has wronged.
“I will not yield, to kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet, and to be baited with the rabble’s curse.”
In this quote, Macbeth refuses to surrender to Malcolm, the rightful heir to the throne. The phrase “I will not yield” shows his stubborn pride and obsession with maintaining power, even in the face of defeat. The use of the word “yield” is significant because it implies submission, something Macbeth has refused to do throughout the play. He is also unwilling to be humiliated by the “rabble’s curse,” which refers to the common people who would condemn him if he gave up the throne. The word “rabble” conveys his disdain for the people, showing that, despite his downfall, Macbeth still holds onto his sense of superiority. This quote reveals the extent of Macbeth’s corrupted sense of power—he would rather die than give up his authority, even if it means facing a disgraceful death.
conclusion
In Macbeth, the theme of power is explored as a corrupting and destructive force. Macbeth’s obsessive ambition to gain and maintain power leads him to commit murder and betrayal, ultimately isolating him from his humanity and causing his downfall. Throughout the play, power shifts from Macbeth to Malcolm, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. Ultimately, Shakespeare shows that the pursuit of power, when driven by greed and corruption, leads to moral decay and destruction, both for the individual and those around them.
