Macbeth Comparison Essay
A quote which really defines Lady Macbeth and Macbeths ambition regarding power is Power does not corrupt men; fools; however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power George Bernard Shaw. Lady Macbeth is more ambitious in terms of gaining power then Macbeth is and that Lady Macbeth will do almost anything to gain power, even evil things that she normally wouldnt do. This is shown when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth learn about the witches predictions, then roles in the plans to murder king Duncan in order to gain power and then finally after the murder, Macbeth doesnt want to finish the plan making Lady Macbeth angry and causing a chance they might get caught and gain no power at all.
Lady Macbeth shows more ambition then Macbeth does in terms of gaining power regarding kingship.
When Macbeth finds out about the witches predictions and the first two coming true Glamis, and thane of Cawdor: The greatest is behind (1.3.124-125) meaning that he got a taste of power, making him thane of Glamis and thane of Cawdor making him more ambitious for the power to become king. Proving that he will do anything for power he decides that he is going to murder Duncan. When Lady Macbeth receives the letter from Macbeth learning about the witches predictions and that two of them came true already, she becomes very ambitious towards gaining power.
She doesnt believe that Macbeth will murder Duncan, so she makes a plan for the murder.
Secondly Lady Macbeth shows more ambition then Macbeth does in terms of gaining power regarding kingship. When Macbeth does not want to murder Duncan anymore, for he recognizes that he is a kind man, good king and thinks Duncan should remain the king. Lady Macbeth however shows more ambition for power, becomes very upset upon learning how Macbeth feels how he doesnt want to kill King Duncan anymore, she says And Live a coward in thine own esteem (1.7.
46) meaning shes calling him a coward for not wanting to kill Duncan and thereby gaining power. She convinces him to change his mind to want the power of kingship now, which can only be achieved by killing Duncan.
Thirdly Lady Macbeth shows more ambition then Macbeth does in terms of gaining power regarding kingship. When Macbeth doesnt care for power anymore and regrets killing Duncan. Thinking of the consequences he says Ill go no more: I am afraid to think what I have done; (2.
2.65-66) meaning he doesnt want anymore part of the plan to gain power and that he doesnt want to finish what he was suppose to, thinking that he has already done enough and that he regrets it. Lady Macbeth is angry and still ambitious for power, she says Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers: the sleeping, and the dead (2.2.68-69) meaning shes angry with Macbeth for not continuing with the plan by putting the daggers back saying that she will do it.
Lady Macbeth then puts the daggers back her self to frame the servants showing that she will do anything to gain power.
In conclusion I believe that Lady Macbeth is more ambitious in gaining power then Macbeth is by doing almost anything to gain power and forcing others to get involved just to achieve that power.
written by a grade 11 student of ontario canada.. word count of 555
