The Pursuit to Protect Power

Ramona Banner

Mr Mitchell

English 10X

13 March 2017

The Pursuit to Protect Power

In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth, becomes the King of Scotland and seeks to protect his power. Once Macbeth becomes king he embarks on a journey to find three witches in hopes of securing his power by receiving their prophecy. The three witches present him with apparitions. The second of the three warns Macbeth to fear a man not born from a woman, leading Macbeth to attempt to kill Macduff in hopes of removing a potential threat to his power. Through Macbeth’s attempts to diminish his primary threat, Macduff, he puts his power and life in danger by harming Macduff’s family, ultimately initiating the conflict. The second apparition's warning leads Macbeth to attempt to kill Macduff in hopes of ensuring his reign. Macbeth's attempt to secure his power suggests trying to control one’s own fate through cruel actions can lead to defeat.

The second apparition's interaction with Macbeth ultimately initiates his decision to kill Macduff. Macbeth appears to the three witches with hopes to receive assurance of the power he currently possesses. The three witches present Macbeth with the second apparition, which tells him he can “Laugh to scorn / The power of man, for none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth” (4. 1. 81-83). By telling Macbeth, “man, for none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth” the second apparition ensures Macbeth of his power over man due to the fact that every man is born from a woman. Macbeth can “Laugh to scorn / The power of man,” meaning he can be confident in his superiority, which reassures Macbeth of his power and suggests that no man is capable of defeating Macbeth. The second apparition makes Macbeth appear unconquerable, ultimately leading to his initial arrogance when dealing Macduff. After the apparition disappears, Macbeth states, “Then live, Macduff. What need I fear of thee? / But yet I’ll make assurance double sure, / And take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live, / That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies, / And sleep in spite of thunder” (4. 1. 85-89). In stating “What need I fear of thee?” Macbeth believes that he has no reason to fear Macduff. Yet, Macbeth decides he must “make assurance double sure,” meaning he must completely guarantee his safety by killing Macduff. Guaranteeing his power will allow Macbeth to “sleep in spite of thunder,” or he will be able to sleep soundly without waking in worry or fear of Macduff and the potential threat he possesses. With Macduff gone, Macbeth’s power as king is guaranteed. By attempting to secure his power by killing Macduff’s family Macbeth’s paranoia is seemingly satisfied, until he discovers the prophecies are true.

Macbeth’s