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Examples Of Greed In Macbeth

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Power and greed can corrupt people into hurting the ones they love and care for, proving people value superiority over friends and family. In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, Shakespeare shows how greed and power can influence people to hurt the ones they love and care for. Macbeth is an example of a character who is influenced by power and greed. Macbeth is influenced by the witches since they successfully deceive him into destroying the relationships of those he cares for. Macbeth is deceived by the witches when being deceived into killing King Duncan, Killing Banquo and killing Macduff’s innocent wife and kids.

To begin with, Macbeth is blinded by the prophecies to murder King Duncan for his own well being. After hearing …show more content…
First, Macbeth is blinded by the power he gained from becoming king to murder Banquo for his own selfish gain completely ignoring their friendship. Fearful that Banquo will be suspicious of Duncan's murder and that Fleance will take the throne from him, Macbeth decides to kill them. Macbeth backstabs Banquo when he persuades the murders, “well then, now have considered of my speeches? Know that is was he, in this times past, which held you so under fortune, which you thought had been our innocent self? This I made good to you in our last conference, passed in probation with you how you were borne win hands, how crossed, the instrument, who wrought with them, and all things else that might…” (3,1, 84-93). Macbeth completely betrays Banquo when he persuades the murders to murder Banquo because of how he wronged them. Furthermore, Macbeth utterly loses all feeling for Banquo after being informed of the successful murer. This shows Macbeth complete mental change from friendship and family to power and greediness. When the murders assure to Macbeth that Banquo is dead he replies with, “ ‘Tis better thee without than he [Banquo] within. Is he dispatched?” The murder responds with, “my lord, is throat is cut. That is did for him.” Macbeth answers with, “Thou at the best of the cut-throats!” (3,4, 16-19). Macbeth developes a new found hate for Banquo and love for …show more content…
First, his eagerness to keep his throne has made him paranoid willing to kill anyone gets in his way even a child. The witches warn Macbeth to fear Macduff and once hearing of him fleeing to England, Macbeth decides to kill Lady Macduff and her children. Macbeth sinister acts are displayed when he says “the castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon fire, give to the edge of the sword his wife, his babies, and all the unfortunate souls that trace him [Macduff] in his line (4,1, 166-169). Macbeth realizes what he his committed is wrong since he says, “unfortunate souls” knowing that these people don’t deserve this. Macbeth could careless, at this moment all he cares about is himself. Further, instead of apologizing to Macduff for the damage that he has caused to him, he would rather fight him for his throne. When Macduff comes to murder Macbeth, Macbeth shows no sympathy to Macduff and rather kill him too. Macbeth tells him, Thou losest labor. As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air with thy keen sword impress as make me bleed. Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests. I bear a charmed life, which must not yield to one of woman born (5,8, 11-16). Macbeth can careless about Macduff’s family, he still believes that he is unstoppable and will always keep his throne. Macbeth has completely alienated himself from his entire family and friends, the only purpose

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