Greed and Fear

A detailed Summary of Greed and Fear

In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, greed for power and wealth results in not only the destruction of oneself, but in the others connected to that someone. Greed controls the lives of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after the prophecy of the three weird sisters. As a result of the destruction, both show signs of fear, though Macbeth's fear is more visible than Lady Macbeth's. Fear motivates most people to act upon matters whether the cause is right or wrong. Having read the play previously, fear is another main motivating factor that influenced the outcome. Through explanation of the text, asides, dialogues, imagery , and soliloquies, both greed and fear will reveal itself in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Towards the beginning of the play, Macbeth was kind, gentle, and loyal to King Duncan. He killed MacDonwald in battle and consequently is made Thane of Cawdor in place of the traitor. However, before he becomes Thane of Cawdor he encounters the three weird sisters and they prophesize that he not only will become Thane of Cawdor, but also eventually king. They also prophesized that Banquo's heirs would become kings following Macbeth. After the first part of the prophecy came true, Macbeth thought it was just a coincidence

Macbeth became overwhelmingly greedy and power-hungry when Lady Macbeth began to manipulate his thoughts on the prophecy saying he must help for the final outcome...that he become king. To everyone's surprise, the delicate and gentle Lady Macbeth merely desires power of her own, but because she is a woman, she can have no such power. Therefore, she must do everything that is humanly possible to obtain that power for Macbeth. Lady Macbeth must manipulate Macbeth's thoughts and make him feel belittled so that he will do what she wants. Macbeth says," We will proceed no further in this business..." (I.vii.31). Lady Macbeth then says," Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since...Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem..."(I.vii.36-43). Macbeth replies," Prithee, peace: I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none." (I.vii.45-46).

, but he began to show signs of greed for power. Macbeth says in an aside," Two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme..." (I.iii.127-129).

After committing the murder, Macbeth is haunted by images of daggers with blood smeared on it. This image represents not only his fe

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Approximate Word count = 853
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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Greed and Fear

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