Power corrupts individuals from "summary" of The Oxford Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare
In the play, Macbeth undergoes a transformation from a noble and loyal subject to a ruthless and power-hungry tyrant. His ambition for power ultimately leads him to commit heinous acts, such as regicide and the murder of his closest allies. The more power he gains, the more corrupt he becomes, as he becomes increasingly paranoid and resorts to violence to maintain his position. As Macbeth rises to power, he becomes consumed by a sense of entitlement and a belief that he is above the law. He becomes willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position, even if it means sacrificing his morals and betraying those who once trusted him. His unchecked ambition blinds him to the consequences of his actions, leading to a downward spiral of violence and destruction. The corrupting influence of power is further emphasized through Lady Macbeth, who is driven to madness by her own desire for power. Like her husband, she is willing to go to great lengths to achieve her goals, even if it means manipulating and deceiving those around her. Her ambition ultimately leads to her downfall, as she becomes consumed by guilt and remorse for the crimes she has committed. Throughout the play, Shakespeare explores how the pursuit of power can corrupt even the noblest of individuals. As characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth succumb to their ambitions, they lose touch with their humanity and become consumed by their desire for power. The consequences of their actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.
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