Shakespeare's Play Macbeth

MACBETH

In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, there are power struggles that interfere with personal relationships. The love and honor of the state or the love and loyalty of family is brought up to question. State and family are very similar, as they are both very important. But which one is more is not an easy question. In the eye' of Macbeth and Macduff, characters in Macbeth the answer is simple, state. Loyalty to state is more valued to Macbeth and Macduff.

Macduff must not care for his family for he would not leave them all alone. "To leave his wife, to leave his babes, His mansion and his titles in a place from whence himself does fly? Act 4 Sc 2; these are the words of lady Macduff talking about her husband. If Macduff loves his family he would at lest tell his wife where he has run off to so she does not worry. It is easy to see that Macduff loves his country more than his family. "Wear thou thy wrongs; The title is affeered. Fare thee well, lord. I would not be the villain that thou think'st for the whole space that's in the tyrant's grasp and the rich East to boot." Act 4 Sc3 this shows Macduff's feelings about the situation of Macbeth being king. Macduff does not want to see the country of Scotland suffer, and he is showing his loyalty to king Duncan by going to his son Malcolm the person who should be king.

As with Macbeth the title of king is of more importance than a friend who he has been in battle with and is as his right hand man. "My noble partner you greet with present grace and great prediction of noble having and of royal hope,..." Act 1 Sc 3 this is of Banquo talking about Macbeth as these are traveling along together. Banquo is as a loyal partner and friend to Macbeth. But because Macbeth thinks that he is a better leader he does not want Banquo and his sons to rule the country. "Your children should be kings" Act 1 Sc 3. Even with Banquo being a noble friend this prophecy scares Macbeth and is left with one choice to kill his friend. "With barefaced power sweep him from my sight." Act 3 Sc. 1. All this for the kingdom.

Macbeth's insecurity led him to believe that Macduff was betraying him and ordered the killing of Macduff's family. "Seize upon Fife, give to th' edge o' th' sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls" Act