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What modern connections can be made with Macbeth?
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Modern connections with Macbeth include the persistent themes of ambition, power, and war. The play's portrayal of unchecked ambition leading to destructive consequences is mirrored in contemporary political power struggles and coups, such as those involving Saddam Hussein and Augusto Pinochet. Additionally, the desire to retain power, as seen in Macbeth, continues to be relevant, influencing modern leaders' actions. Finally, the play's depiction of war reflects ongoing global conflicts driven by power ambitions.
Although monarchy is no longer a common form of government, desire for power and the use of ruthless tactics to obtain it are very obvious in contemporary society. The “vaulting ambition” that drives Macbeth to murder, including that of children, ultimately destroys him and his wife. William Shakespeare makes it clear that even the most obsessive person is not immune from the psychological consequences of immoral behavior.
In recent years, numerous commentators have written about the negative effects of power lust. Regarding the Watergate conspiracy, John Dean’s Blind Ambition offers an insider’s look at Richard Nixon’s White House.
Military overthrows of legitimately constituted governments frequently occur. Within the 20th century, notable successful coups include those of Saddam Hussein and the Bath party (1968) in Iraq, Pervase Musharraf (1999) in Pakistan, and Augusto Pinochet (1973) in Chile. Regarding ambitious women, one can look to the Philippines for Imelda Marcos’s participation in...
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her husband, Ferdinand’s, government.
References
There are multiple connections to the modern world one could make when examining William Shakespeare's tragic play Macbeth.
Ambition
Macbeth's growing ambition came about from his taste of power. This "taste" fueled his ambitious nature. Society today is impacted by ambitious people. While some may not allow their ambition to lead them to murder, ambition is not an idea which died with Shakespeare.
Power
Once Macbeth was in power, he did not want to lose it. This is an idea seen apparent in today's society. Not only do people desire power, they have done things to insure that they keep their power. While not all people go tho the lengths Macbeth did in the play to keep his power, some people do. We have seen many leaders fall, or stay in power, based upon their desire to keep it.
War
The "war" depicted at the end of the play (Malcolm/Macduff and their armies against Macbeth) is still real today. Our world has been at war, in one way or another, since the beginning of time. As humans, we can accept that there will always be those who believe that they should have power and will declare war in the name of it.