Strengths And Weaknesses Of Macbeth's Character example essay topic

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth, can be compared in many was to a Machiavellian prince. Macbeth's ambition to be king and his desire for power are the basis of Machiavelli's ideas, but when examined more closely we find many flaws in Macbeth's character that Machiavelli warns will be destructive. Although Macbeth has many Machiavellian characteristics, Macbeth's rise to power without true "fortune" or "virtue" leads him to his downfall. The character of Macbeth is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragic hero. Macbeth's achieves his long time desire to be king, but his tragic flaw brings him to ruin. His character changes drastically during the play.

At the opening of the play, Macbeth is considered strong and noble. As the play progress he is corrupted by many factors including: his wife's manipulation of his judgment, his curiosity about the witch's prophecy, and his ambition to be king. At the end of the play, Macbeth's own subjects bring him to his death because of his cruelty and weakness as a king. Macbeth's character has many of the qualities that Machiavelli considers necessary to be "a prince". Most importantly, Macbeth is an excellent fighter.

He has gained much of his power through his recognition for his admirable skills at battle time. Machiavelli would praise this quality of Macbeth; in that a prince's priority should always be war and that it is a necessity that the prince is a skilled fighter. In order to become prince, Macbeth turns on his friend and kinsman, King Duncan. With encouragement from his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth is able to murder Duncan to become king, although Macbeth has always been considered a noble man. Machiavelli writes that in order to keep power a prince does not have to be loyal to his friends and subjects. He also states that "it is necessary for a prince... to learn how not to be good".

Macbeth seems to be capable of having these qualities. A lot of Macbeth's actions in the play are led by his desire to be king and idea that his fate to be king is predetermined. He hears the witches' prophecy of his future, which gives him confidence to kill Duncan and follow his ambition to be king. These two drives can somewhat be compared to Machiavelli's idea of fortune and virtue. Machiavelli's term "fortune" can be described as one's destiny or fate. The term "virtue" is personality qualities that allow one to rule, like greatness, strength, or determination.

Machiavelli believes either fortune or virtue is necessary to gain power. The witch's prophesy may seem to be "fortune" and Macbeth's desire for power may seem to be "virtue", but Machiavelli might not completely agree. In order to become king, Macbeth had to murder his friends and kinsmen; Machaivelli's would not consider this to be fortune. Gaining power through fortune should be effortless and would occur much more naturally, as in being an heir to the throne from one's father. Machiavelli may not consider Macbeth to have virtue either, not only because of the cruelty of his terrible crimes, but also due to his apparent weakness as the play progresses.

Macbeth is tortured by his conscience, appearing weak to his subjects. Macbeth is not making his people believe that he has "greatness, spirit, dignity, and strength", which Machiavelli stresses is a necessity. Also, his preoccupation with his conscience shows Macbeth has not actually learned "how not to be good". Macbeth's good conscience and desire for power lead to his downfall.

Machiavelli says, "Something that seems to be a virtue, if pursued, will end in destruction". Overall, Machiavelli would not consider Macbeth to be fit to be a king. Although Macbeth has great physical strength and desire to be king, he is weak inside. His easily manipulated mind and changeable conscience does not allow for the demanding role of being king. Macbeth could be easily taken advantage of by any of his subjects threatening his loss of power.

Macbeth's ability to so cruelly murder his kin is also a sign of his lack of nobility. His preoccupation with his own problems would lead to poor ruling of his state, and eventually unhappiness of his people; the king must always aim to please his people. Machiavelli would find many strengths and weaknesses of Macbeth's character when compared to a Machiavellian prince. His ambition may allow him to gain power, but his tragic flaws will ultimately lead to his ruin. Although Macbeth has many Machiavellian idea and qualities, Macbeth's lack of true "fortune" or "virtue" prevents him from achieving greatness as a king..