Comparing Violence In Shakespeare's Macbeth And The Gunpowder Treason

Macbeth the protagonist of the play is Scottish in the king's army who later becomes king. Shakespeare characterizes Macbeth at first as humble, brave and loyal soldier however, later on in the play Macbeth gets tempted by outside forces such as the scottish witches and his wife Lady Macbeth and get corrupted. In the play the third witches state “Thou shalt get kings,though thou be none:So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo”(I,iii,60). In other words the witches are telling Macbeth their prophecy that macbeth would be king to mess with Macbeth’s head. After the witches play with Macbeth’s head he starts falling apart. Many of the audience would agree that Macbeth is really malicious, envious and reckless and is not fit to be a good leader. Equally
The source “ The Gunpowder Treason” states “But it cannot have been long after he heard the news of the plot that he found himself in London examining his Holinshed to learn more about the subject of his forthcoming royal play,and found the story of Macbeth especially suitable and timely because it could show the treacherous assassination…”(The Gunpowder Treason page 227). These two incidents both can relate because both incidents have had the theme of violence. Even more about the character Macbeth when he is in doubt about something or anyone Macbeth believes violence is the answer to everything he states “To be thus is nothing but to be safely thus: our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared. Tis much he dares, and, to that dauntless temper of his mind, he hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour to act in safety. There is none but he whose being I do fear: and under him, my genius is rebuked, as it is said…”(III,i,L50). Based on this quotation because of Macbeth’s fear of Banquo’s son being king, he wants to kill Banquo and his son Fleance so they won’t get in the way of