Macebth: Power Of Knowledge
In William Shakespeare's Macbeth the protagonist is lured to murder the king, Duncan, by the desire for power, an appetite whetted by witch's prophecies and his wife's encouragement. But when he reaches the kingship, he finds himself insecure. He attempts to remove threats that decrease his security, including his companion Banquo and his son Fleance, prophesied to be king. His lords grew angry and revolt successfully, after witches lure Macbeth into a false sense of security by further foretelling. In Macbeth, we see that, despite appearances of paradox, man's goals of comfort and power are forever encouraged by the influences of others. Macbeth is much more than a one-dimensional ...
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start, and seem to fear / Things that do sound so fair?" (Act I, Sciii, L. 54-55) Macbeth's new knowledge makes him uncomfortable, as he realizes the implications. His first thoughts considering murdering Duncan appear, and he is scared. After he commits the murder, Macbeth says, "To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself." (Act II, Scii, L. 93) Knowing that he has committed such a vile act, makes Macbeth uncomfortable. It will be difficult to act innocent and to deal with his guilt. When he later decides to murder Banquo and Fleance, he tells his wife, "Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed." (Act III, Scii, L. 51-52) Hecate sets Macbeth up for his final fall, explaining her strategy,
"As by the strength of their illusion
Shall draw him on to his confusion.
He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear
His hopes 'bove wisdom, grace, and fear.
And you all know security
Is mortals' chiefest enemy." (Act III, Scv, L. 28-33)
The security ...
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he sleeps well.
Treason has done his worst; nor steel, nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing,
Can touch him further." (Act III, Scii, L. 25-29)
Duncan has no power but faces no threats either. He is much safer than Macbeth, who lives in fear of losing the throne. As he observed, "To be thus is nothing, / But to be safely thus." (Act III, Sci, L. 52-53) Macbeth's power as king was not really as great as he though it would be, and his power is really for nothing because he feels so threatened, and he not one of his nobles are loyal to him. Macbeth realizes that he had more power as a thane of Glamis and Cawdor the king of all Scotland. Lady Macbeth also agrees ...
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"Macebth: Power Of Knowledge." Essayworld.com. September 26, 2008. Accessed April 20, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macebth-Power-Of-Knowledge/90492.
"Macebth: Power Of Knowledge." Essayworld.com. September 26, 2008. Accessed April 20, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macebth-Power-Of-Knowledge/90492.
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