The document analyzes the use of power by male characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth. It discusses how Macbeth's ambition and lust for power lead to his downfall after he murders King Duncan. Meanwhile, Macduff embodies qualities of loyalty and patriotism as he works to restore order by beheading Macbeth. Banquo challenges the witches' prophecies and remains loyal to Macbeth, but is later assassinated due to Macbeth's paranoia. Malcolm flees to England after being framed for Duncan's murder, but later builds an army and reclaims the throne with Macduff's help.

1. Use of power by male
characters in
Macbeth
Presented by
Mahirpari Goswami
[ Teaching assistant ]

2. Use of power by male characters
1]. Macbeth
2]. Macduff
3]. Banquo
4]. Malcolm

3. • The play establishes a motif of masculinity,
which is traditionally defined by ideas of
physical strength, assertiveness, loyalty and
power or success. Both male and female
characters exhibit these traits in deviant and
heroic ways.
• Macbeth is easily manipulated by his
masculinity. He is a war hero who faced an
army with his friend Banquo. As a result, his
violent deeds are glorified by King Duncan.
Once given the prophecy, however,
Macbeth shows a lust for power.

4. • Ambition, typically seen as a virtuous quality,
becomes his downfall as he concentrates on
becoming king.
• As Macbeth secretly kills Duncan and his close
allies, his ego and paranoia drive him insane.
Macbeth represents usually positive attributes
of masculinity gone wrong.

5. Macduff
• While he is considered the antagonist,
Macduff precisely turns out to be the
hero. Macduff is a faithful thane to
Duncan and is suspicious about his
murder. He embodies the qualities of
patriotism and loyalty because he strives
to make Scotland a great country. He is
also vengeful after his family is
slaughtered by Macbeth’s orders.
Macduff reappears when he beheads
Macbeth, thus restoring order to his
country.

6. Banquo
• Banquo is Macbeth’s friend and a Scottish
thane. Banquo fights alongside Macbeth and
is renowned for his bravery. He is the ONLY
other character to receive a prophecy from
the witches. Banquo openly challenges the
witches and does not automatically believe
their predictions. Though he is suspicious of
Macbeth after Duncan’s murder, Banquo
shows loyalty to his friend. Unfortunately,
Macbeth is paranoid of Banquo and has him
assassinated. Banquo’s last deed of saving his
son’s life exemplifies his heroic loyalty.

7. Malcolm
• Malcolm is King Duncan’s son and true heir to
the throne. The king’s murder is pinned on
Malcolm, so he flees to England to build an
army against Macbeth. Malcolm is a leader
and is respected by his people.
• During a moment of weakness, he shares
with Macduff his hesitance to become
king, since he is lust-filled and greedy.
Macduff convinces him otherwise, which
inspires Malcolm to lead the army against
Macbeth’s forces.

8. • When Malcolm takes his place on the
throne, he shows honour to his loyal
thanes by making them earls. Power is a
motif used by Shakespeare throughout
the play.
• The plot involves Macbeth trying to gain
more power. He considers killing Duncan
so that he will become king in his place.
Lady Macbeth then convinces him that he
should carry through with his plan.
Macbeth also wants to kill anyone that
threatens his chances of being king,
including Banquo.

9. • In the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth
is a strong-willed character. She takes on
the role of a dominant male. She has great
influence over her husband, who is weaker
than she is.

10. Work Citation
• 1]. Feraru, Cornelia. “Macbeth.” Academia.edu,
www.academia.edu/36458519/Macbeth.