How far is one willing to "go" to get what they desire most?
This question is one that applies itself to Macbeth quite well. Everyone has desires in life, that's undeniable, but it's how far we go to get this "thing" which we desire. Although, as seemingly simple of an idea this is, there is a flaw. The question asks "how far one is willing to go...", so I ask you this, how do we measure this distance to "go"? Whenever this question comes up, people often assume that one would go almost as far as murder to get what they desire, but exactly how far is that? This question is flawed for those who need an idea as to how to judge their distance of want. Luckily, this flaw does not occur within the play of Macbeth. To ask what Macbeth desires most is almost a hypothetical question. He wants what we all want; power. Further more, he wants a great amount of power; to be king. Although, his quest for this power is partially caused by numerous things. Three witches approach him after his battles, and foresee his future of being king, as well as the titles of the "thane of Glamis" and "thane of Cawdor". After being notified by his fellow soldiers that the prophecies of the his title as "thane of Glamis" as well "thane of Cawdor" have come true, he now has even greater hope of being king. Sadly this hope comes to a crushing defeat, after realizing that the position of king could not be his without the murder of the high king himself. It doesn't help that his wife also wants Macbeth to kill the king in order to have this luxurious life in which she feels they have earned. Even with the consultation of his right-arm man; Banquo who says "That, trusted home, Might yet enkindle you unto the crown, Besides the thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange. And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s In deepest consequence", he still follows through with his intentions. I think that the best way to put this would be through Abraham Lincoln's words in that "If you want to test a man's character, give him power".
