Theme Of Power In Macbeth

Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I am the Second Witch from the play, Macbeth and my job is to identify and analyse how I have represented power in Macbeth. Macbeth is an English play published in 1606 by William Shakespeare during the reign of James I. It is based on the concept of the impure thirst for political and social power during the 17th century (Colonial Period). William Shakespeare’s intent of Macbeth is to exaggerate and influence the reader of the damaging physical and psychological effects of the desire for power. In doing so the theme of power is represented through my relationships with other characters in the novel. Shakespeare has utilised my character to represent power in Macbeth through

Shakespeare intentionally constructed Macbeth’s character to be extremely subjected to influence by me and my sister’s prophecies and alleged ‘fate’. Shakespeare also created Macbeth to value societal and royal power during his reign and his tyrannical and oppressive leading style. Physical power is nothing in comparison to having control over one’s mentality and thoughts – physical acts are voluntary whereas mental acts are involuntary. Shakespeare uses imagery and descriptive language when he constructed my character as I exclaim to Macbeth, “Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn; the power of man, for none of woman born; shall harm Macbeth.” (Act 4, Scene 1, Page 4) The descriptive nature of ‘laugh to scorn’ influences Macbeth to stand with confidence and be steadfast in his actions –encouraging him if you will. The power over Macbeth’s mentality is portrayed through his doubtful nature and constant need of reassurance. “Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee? But yet I 'll make assurance double sure.”(Act 4, Scene 1) Furthermore, the reader is led to believe the prophecies have such an influence over his emotional and mental state that is indecisive. Macbeth again demonstrates this through his statement to Lady Macbeth, “O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!” (Act 2, Scene 1). The metaphoric nature of the scorpions illustrates the poisonous thoughts and evil ideas I instilled in his mind. This represents the power I have over his mental state and how my power is all-consuming and destructive. Macbeth further references “Ere the bat hath flown, His cloistered flight; ere to black Hecate’s summons, the shard-born beetle, with his drowsy hums…” (Act 3, Scene 2) The use of connotative language behind the bat and shard-born beetle conveys a negative, evil feeling which indicates his upsurge in evil tendencies. The influence