Research Paper on:
Power in Macbeth

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
and the surreal.. Through the characters, and the events which are foretold and which unfold, we see an incredible study of power issues. In the following paper we examine the  power figures, and then discuss the power types that are present in Shakespeares Macbeth. The paper also makes mention of Machiavellis perspectives as they relate to the conditions within Shakespeares  play. Power Figures The first power figures we see are those of the witches. While we perhaps see Macbeth, we do not see him as a powerful figure  yet, just a figure who is brave and capable of many things. But, with the witches the play of power begins. "The belief in the existence and power of  witches was widely believed in Shakespeares day," however, "The practice of witchcraft was seen to subvert the established order of religion and society, and hence was not tolerated" (Riedel Witches.html).  Despite the political and social perspectives, however, we note that "The belief of the majority during the seventeenth century suggests that the witches are powerful figures who can exercise great  power over Macbeth; however, strong arguments to the contrary were in existence at the same time. The intensity of the tragedy is dependent on whether the witches are perceived to  be able to control the otherwise innocent Macbeths actions, or if he is entirely responsible for his own demise" (Riedel Witches.html). Regardless of whether we see him as responsible or  not, we note that the witches have a power over him, and over his future. One author states that the witches will "have a profound influence over events in the  play...The witches have chosen the right moment to approach Macbeth - when he is full of the triumph of battle, and fresh from killing" (Anonymous Macbeth - characters: The Witches