The meaning of being power- hungry is having a strong desire for power. This happens to be one of the main reoccurring themes in one of Shakespeare's plays, Macbeth. A few of the characters in this particular play share a lust for power. Some were successful in attaining power, others not so much. For example, Lady Macbeth, known for pulling the strings and convincing Macbeth into committing a dispicable crime, was able to become Queen, as she had hoped for; "...Come you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty..." (Act One, Scene Five, lines 40-43) this quote shows how much Lady Macbeth lusts for power. "Thou hast it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, as the weird women promised, and I fear thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said it should not stand in thy posterity, but that myself should be the root and father of many kings. If there some the truth from them- As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine- why, by the verities on thee made good , may they not be my oracles as well, and set me up in my hope? But hush, no more." This is Banquo speaking in Act three, Scene one, lines 1-10, and he is refering to the fact that he is aware of Macbeth's evil doing, the murder he commited. Though, he admits that he will keep his mouth shut in order for his sons and descendants to be royal. This too is a display of the hunger for power, Banquo knows what Macbeth commited was wrong, but he decided to stay quiet and let it go for the sake of his and his son's future. With power comes responsibility, as well, which is something all characters seem to want to avoid. The characters all want to benefit themselves, in one way or another.
- Karla A.
- Karla A.