In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, one can see very clearly how authority is represented and the methods and principles behind the power. The plot involves Macbeth trying to gain more power, but it is actually Lady Macbeth that is trying to gain the power. Lady Macbeth tries to convince Macbeth to kill Duncan so that he will become king in his place. Macbeth also is persuaded to kill anyone who threatens his chances of being king, including Banquo. Power is used by certain characters in the play to influence others. One such character is Lady Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, she is a strong-willed character. She takes on the role of a dominant male. She has great influence over her husband, who appears to be weaker than she is. It is her influence that convinces Macbeth to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth is the dominant partner at the beginning of the play, and thus the one with the most authority. She persuades Macbeth to achieve his goal, and she plans the murder of Dunca

Another Shakespeare play that shows power and authority is Hamlet. Hamlet is the prince of Denmark and thus, in a very powerful and authoritative role. Although Hamlet is very powerful and has reasons for everything that he does, he makes himself look weak and arguably insane throughout the play. He uses this method to his advantage to achieve his goals and thus authority and power. His sanity can arguably be discussed and used to show his methods and principles of power and authority. Many portions of the play support his loss of control in his actions, while other parts uphold his ability to be a powerful authoritative leader. There are indications from Hamlet throughout the play of his mind's well being. At certain times in throughout the play Hamlet appears to be role-playing, which is one prime example of his methods. Hamlet has mood swings as his mood changes abruptly throughout the play. Hamlet appears to act mad when he hears of his father's murder. At the time he speaks wild and whirling words "Why, right; you are in the right; And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part (I.v.127-134). It seems as if there are two Hamlets in the play, one that is sensitive and an ideal prince, and powerful leader and the one that is insane and barbaric. After Hamlet kills Polonius he will not tell anyone where the body is. Instead he assumes his ironic matter which others take it as madness. Although the other character take his actions and madness, Hamlet has reason behind his actions and is giving the reader a glimpse into his methods. "Not where he eats, but where he is eaten. / A certain convocation of politic worms are even at him." (IV.iii. 20-21). "If your messenger find him not there, seek him in the other place yourself. But, indeed, if you find him not within this month, you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby."(IV.iii.33-36). Although Hamlet appears to be a leader himself, unlike Macbeth who was led by Lady Macbeth, his is still influenced by the ghost of his father. He alone sees his father's ghost in his mother's chambers. The ghost of his father tells Hamlet to revenge his death. This influences Hamlet's methods tremendously. It also makes him appear weak at times. During this scene he shows his weakness to his mother because his mother does not see the ghost and he does. "On him, on him! Look you how pale he glares!/ his form and cause conjoined, preaching to stones / Would make them capable" (III.iv.126-128). Although he truly believes that his father's ghost is there, because his mother does not see it, he appears as a weak leader. At one point Hamlet tells Horatio that he is going to feign madness, and that if Horatio notices any strange behavior from Hamlet, it is because he is putting on an act. (I.v.166-180). This very clearly shows Hamlets methods. Hamlet's methods can also be seen by looking at how is acts around the different characters in the play. When Hamlet is around Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, he behaves unreasonably. When Hamlet in the presence of Horatio, Bernardo, Francisco, The Players, and Clowns, his actions are sensible. This gives the reader a good look at his methods and power. He is only acting this way around certain people, which show is methods, and the fact that they believe him show is power over them. Polonius realizes the Hamlet has methods behind his actions, and says that there appears to be a reason behind them, they are logical in nature, but this still does not take away from his authority and power. "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't". (II.ii.206) Hamlet tells his mother "That I essentially am not in madness,/ But mad in craft." (III.iv.189-190). Hamlet, a tragic hero, meets his tragic end. He ends tragically because of his own tragic flaw, procrastination and grief, which is his lack of power and leadership. Hamlet as seen from the beginning to end, a prince th

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Approximate Pages = 16 (250 words per page double spaced)