"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" -Lord Acton
I am certain that Shakespeare would completely agree with this quote. Throughout many of his plays, he shows how power corrupts individuals and makes them do terrible things. In Hamlet, Hamlet's uncle kills his father, the king, in order to gain the throne. In Macbeth, his desire to be king causes him to kill King Duncan, his former friend. Shakespeare knew the danger of power and included many examples to show people how detrimental the chase of power could be. Throughout my own experience, I have seen how power can turn people bitter. One friend I have is one of the best tennis players in the state. He's put in countless hours of work and already has many scholarship offers from D1 schools. Because of his great proficiency, he has become very prideful and egotistic. Whenever he plays a tennis player who is not as proficient as he is, he does not try and shows and air of not caring at all. It is very frustrating to play him because he is not a good winner. He is not humble at all and only cares about being better than everyone else on the tennis court. This is a prime example of how power can corrupt people and cause them to look down on others. There are many other examples of power throughout history and Shakespeare learned from them as he included aspects of them within his plays. People with power need to be extremely careful not to become prideful or look down upon others. Power is a dangerous thing and can easily cause corruption in the best of individuals. Shakespeare knew this and tried to teach people lessons about power throughout many of his plays. Hopefully, we can learn from the many past examples of corruption through power and avoid being corrupted ourselves.
I completely agree with your argument that Shakesphere agrees with this quote and there is a lot of evidence of that through his plays, specifically Macbeth. Do you think any other characters in this play represent this quote? I think that Banquo represents this quote as well and obviously Lady Macbeth as well. Lady Macbeth is driven insane, just like Macbeth, with the idea of being the wife of the king and it drives her to to disgusting things. Her influence plays a huge role in the corruption of Macbeth as well. I also like your personal examples.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you in saying that Shakespeare would agree with the quote. I can definitely see examples of corruption of power in Macbeth, especially after he kills Banquo. Macbeth becomes a tyrant, now wanting his sons to become Kings as well. I like how you incorporated a personal example of your friend to relate to the text--it shows how corruption can affect a person in everyday life. Great analysis!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about Shakespeare, it is clear through many of his plays, how he feels about power. In addition I think Shakespeare is trying to emphasize how most people do not know how to handle power. Espesically when it is thrust upon them in a new enviornment. Such as in Macbeth, Macbeth beleives he has the ability to control the throne but in fact doesn't have the resolve of a true leader. I agree that Shakespeare is trynig to warn his audience about the destructive qualities of power.
ReplyDeleteMoney, power, and fame can always bring out the worst in people and that is exactly what happened to Macbeth throughout the course of the play. His desire for power made him commit these terrible crimes and actions. I agree, Shakespeare does send a message through his writing that power can change people for the worst.
ReplyDeleteHow might your argument apply to other characters in the play? Lady M? Banquo?
ReplyDelete