Machiavellian Macbeth Essay - 1609 Words

While Macbeth exhibits certain Machiavellian characteristics, he does not heed Machiavellis advice regarding rulers who desire to obtain their principalities through crime, and through either the ignorance of, or disregard for, this advice, Macbeth cannot be considered Machiavellian. Hence it should be noted that in taking hold of a state, he who seizes it should examine all the offenses necessary for him to commit, and do them all at a stroke....For injuries must be done all together, so that, being tasted less, they offend less... (Machiavelli 38). This key paragraph of advice is given by Machiavelli to all aspiring rulers who are contemplating the act of obtaining a principality through the use of criminal†¦show more content†¦The string of murders which Macbeth feels the need to perpetuate, from Duncan to Young Siward, follows the pattern that Machiavelli warned would occur with the misuse of cruelty and which Machiavelli wished to prevent. Machiavelli almost explicitly foretells the progress of Macbeths life, saying: Those cruelties are badly used which, though few in the beginning, rather grow with time than are eliminated. Those who observe the first mode can have some remedy for their state with God and with men, as had Agathocles; as for the others it is impossible for them to maintain themselves (Machiavelli 38). This almost directly mirrors the plight that Macbeth faces throughout each day of his cursed life after the murder of King Duncan. The list of people that he feels necessary to kill continues to grow with each passing day. He neglects to predict the members of the list as well as to exterminate the list of people in its entirety with one fatal blow--both of which were suggested by Machiavelli. As a result, Macbeth resorts to witchcraft in order to gain some sense of stability in his life and kingdom. He misunderstands the witches prophecies, and thereby cloaks himself with a misguided sense of security. This leads him to his eventual death at the hands of Macduff, which is parallel to the doom that Machiavelli projects with theShow MoreRelatedIs Macbeth a machiavellian character?1167 Words   |  5 Pagesuse. Have you ever thought about a leader that possessed these qualities that was from a play? Shakespeare s character Macbeth represents the Machiavellian idea that a ruler should appear well in public, be smart and strong, and do what is necessary to hold onto power. Shakespeare used imagery, and metaphors to portray Macbeth this way because, although he dies in the end, Macbeth still used Machiavelli s ideals, and was successful in many ways. Both Machiavelli and Shakespeare knew that it mattersRead MoreEssay Macbeth776 Words   |  4 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth, can be compared in many was to a Machiavellian prince. 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