The Tragedy of Macbeth is riddled with plenty of themes and motifs that can be pointed out throughout the play. One of the most prominent themes is power. It is especially seen in Macbeth’s character, with him being very power hungry. Once he gains the power he desires, he will do anything he must to keep himself from losing it. Other characters have some need for power, whether it be good or evil. The good and evil can be seen as the light and dark aspects of the power. In the play, it is quite obvious that Macbeth possesses dark, evil powers that are full of greed and selfishness, since he is extremely protective over his throne when others try to take it from him.
In the opening act, Macbeth is announced Thane of Glamis and then later Thane of Cawdor. He says to himself, “Glamis and Thane of Cawdor! \ The greatest is behind” (1.3.116-17). This was Macbeth’s first taste of power, which helped his thirst for more grow. His wife, Lady Macbeth, also showed a dark sense of power. Once she discovers her husband’s naming to the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, she goes off into a speech describing how he shall become king next. “. . . Come, thick night, \ And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, \ That my keen knife see not the wound it …show more content…
He seems to not care much, as he says “She should of died hereafter.” (5.5.17). It demonstrates how consumed he has become in making sure he would be able to defend his place as king, and even the death of his wife would not move him. Some of the good, light power can be shown once Malcolm and his army are discussing their plans to save Scotland from the evil wrath of Macbeth. Eventually, Macduff does kill Macbeth and soon announces Malcolm to his rightful place as king. With Malcolm as the king of Scotland, the people would finally be rid of the darkness Macbeth brought over them and hopefully will be able to live their lives in a new