Power, Greed And Insecurity In Barbara A. Mowat's Mac
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“If you only notice human proceedings, you may observe that all who attain great power and riches, make use of either force or fraud; and what they have acquired either by deceit or violence, in order to conceal the disgraceful methods of attainment, they endeavor to sanctify with the false title of honest gains”(Machiavelli, Art of War 1520). These words immortalized by Machiavelli describes the Tragedy of Macbeth very well. In the Tragedy of Macbeth edited by Barbara A. Mowat, Shakespeare discusses the correlation between power,greed, and insecurity. In this play the anti-hero Macbeth, once completely loyal to the king, receives a prophecy from three witches. In which, Macbeth and his good friend Banquo both received promising prophecies…show more content… His wife even ends up committing suicide because of her paranoia later in the book. But, to his suspicion, Banquo is on to his schemes and Macbeth’s plan becomes very clear to him,Banquo, and Macduff. In order to “cut” off this “unloyal thread”, or subject, Macbeth has to force his murderers to kill once again, similar to King Duncan. According to Shakespeare, “Our fears in Banquo, Stick deep[...],’Tis much he dares, And to that [invulnerable to fear] temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety.There is none but he,Whose being I do fear; and under him My genius is rebuked”(III,I,53-59).In this quote, Macbeth clearly states that he only fears Banquo because of his unloyal nature. Stating he has “the wisdom” or knowledge that can convict Macbeth of Treason. Banquo is also described very patriotically, with words such as “valor”,making Macbeth seem insecure about his true love for the country of Scotland.Which in his,Banquo’s, favor is supported when Banquo and Macduff were explicitly talking about, how the future of Scotland is destined for failure under a despot like Macbeth. Power in this world is only obtained through lineage or by forceful action, so it seems that Macduff and Banquo,before he was killed, will follow that exact same path. Macbeth’s power like Duncans can fluctuate, and like Duncan his power can be taken away just as