Macbeth Literary Analysis

       When a man pursues power, the goal can often make the obstacles seem obsolete. The greed for power can easily blind a man of what is really going on around them. The story of one striving for power can be seen in literature such as Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The play is of how temptation of power can cause a general, Macbeth, to do series of actions that will change the lives of everyone. To get the title of King, Macbeth does the unthinkable, murder, which is followed by more crimes due to guilt. Through the play of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, it shows how man's ignorance of their actions when pursuing power leads to unfortunate ends and to be cautious of the evil that tempts you when reaching for your goals.

       Becoming king is often seen as gaining power. The leadership of a country is a form of power that some seek. In the play, Macbeth plots, "The first steps toward that ultimate goal, the throne!" (1.3.128-9). Temptation begins to slip into Macbeth's mind as he begins to think of the power of being king. Although there weren't any necessities in Macbeth taking over, he still believes that he should become king. The actions that are needed to give Macbeth the power is clear. He must get rid of the King, "I'm settled then. All my faculties shall be devoted to this terrible deed" (1.7.80). Deciding on going along with the plan of killing the king, Macbeth decides to ignore the fact of what could happen with the death of the king and plans to murder the King. The pursuit of power has blinded him of the difficulties that he will have to face later. All that he risks is the pursuit of power in his eyes. Macbeth falling into the temptation of power shows how one can be ignorant when shown power at their grasp with consequences that follows.
       Murder cannot be taken lightly, it is a decision one makes through extensive thinking. Many different things can happen after one commits such a crime like Macbeth, " Is there enough water in the oceans to wash my hands of this blood?" (2.2.60). Guilt begins to eat away at Macbeth early on the play. The ignorant action of Macbeth when going along with the murder has him starting to regret his actions although he will soon gain the power that he seeks. Because of the guilt and paranoia of the murder, this causes Macbeth to further his actions to keep his power, "My health is undermined while he lives. His death would restore it." (3.1.106-7). The plan to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance is a pain due to his endeavor of staying king. Not thinking of the consequences of more murder, Macbeth decides this ignoring his own actions as a terrible thing. The consequences of the king's murder led to guilt and paranoia which shows how consequential the ignorant actions of one pursuing power really is.
      Redeeming oneself after such actions is impossible. This leads to further crimes and does not end well. Murder has been on Macbeth's mind throughout most of the play and he is not done, "I will take Macduff's castle by surprise. I'll occupy Fife and kill his wife, his children, and all his relations." (4.1.150-2). Not realizing the magnitude of his evil, Macbeth continues to plan murders of those who he fears will take away his power. His desire to stay king has driven him to commit unimaginable acts of crime. He is blinded by the power that he has and becomes blind to what is going around him. All these actions lead up to one thing, "See where the usurpers' cursed head stands! The world can breathe again." (5.7.84-5). The ultimate price Macbeth faced was death itself. Although he did grasp the power of being king, it was soon taken away. All to show how man's ignorant behaviors when pursuing power leads to misfortune.
      Throughout the play, Macbeth became ignorant of his actions and just sought power to be in his hands. It can be seen how those actions gave a consequence equivalent of his actions. Macbeth by William Shakespeare gives an insight on how people should not live. When one man seeks power, it can cause them to be unaware of their actions which lead to unfortunate ends, which is why it is important to be cautious of evil tempting you when pursuing power. Macbeth gives an important lesson to all and emphasizes on the value in doing good while striving for your goals. No good can come from evil, thus we must always be aware of the actions that we do.