Essay About People of Power. Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Everyone wants power, it depends on who you are and how much you will do to get that power. Macbeth is a tragedy novel by William Shakespeare. This book is about a man named Macbeth who fights through his internal struggles and the ones around him to get the throne of Scotland. Macbeth is very powerful along with some other characters. Although everyone wants power, it’s how much you will do to get what you want. The most powerful characters in Macbeth are the three witches, Macduff, and Macbeth himself. 

Firstly, the three witches are the most powerful because they can trick Macbeth and they can use their powers. The witches were able to make a storm for someone they didn’t like by using their powers. This gave us the readers clues that they are powerful and aren’t just crazy women dressed up as witches but are also able to use magic. Using their magic they gave Macbeth three predictions. The first two predictions turned out to be true, he got creeped out. The last prediction was that he will be king. That gave him confusion and didn’t know if what they said was true or not and how he would get it. “Where do you get this strange information? Why do you stop us on this wind-swept heath with such predictions? Speak up, I command you!” This quote shows the witches were so powerful that they got Macbeth to rethink everything and was confused about what they said. 

Secondly, Macduff is very strong and can take on his challenges. In the story, he goes through many tragic events. Such as, his family dying and not being able to do anything for them. He doesn’t have any time to grieve before he tries to take on Macbeth for killing his family. Macduff doesn’t care how long it is going to take him to take away Macbeth's power, he just wants to be able to do it himself. “Forget your “charm”. And let the devil you serve tell you this: I, Macduff, was prematurely ripped from my mother’s womb. ” This quote shows Macduff is powerful because Macduff is easily getting to Macbeth’s head. The witches had told Macbeth that he could not get hurt by anyone who is born of a woman and Macduff says that he is not. He scares Macbeth and catches Macbeth by surprise. Macduff doesn’t care for any power but wants revenge for the person who hurt him.

 Many other characters are powerful but I chose Macbeth himself. He takes it upon himself to kill other people who are getting in his way. One person he killed even though he didn’t have to was his best mate, Banquo. He also tried to kill Banquo’s son Fleance because the witches predicted that Banquo’s son would eventually be king. “To be king is nothing. To stay king… That's why my fear of Banquo runs deep. It’s his natural nobility that’s so threatening.” This quote indicates that Macbeth is worried about all of the people who are getting in his way. To make sure no one gets in his way he decides to kill them. He does all of this without thinking and puts his desires in front of him. That makes him powerful by not caring. Macbeth went through all of this to keep the power he had never earned. He fought and fought and eventually ended up losing. He tried his hardest to keep the throne even if it meant killing the people he looked up to and loved the most. 

In conclusion, the most powerful people in Macbeth are the three witches, Macduff, and Macbeth himself. The witches can predict the future and like to challenge Macbeth. Macduff doesn’t care about the power and wants revenge on the people who hurt him. Lastly, Macbeth doesn’t care about what other people think and does whatever it takes to keep all the power he has taken. The power they have taken has either made them most respectable or hated. Macbeth teaches the readers to earn the power and to not just take it when it is not yours. Another thing it teaches you is to work hard for the things you want for people to trust and respect you. It is easy to want power, you just have to work hard and earn it.