Is Macbeth a Machiavellian leader?
Macbeth; Not a Machiavellian Leader Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince was written as a guide to success for future and current rulers all over the world. Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Machiavelli’s The Prince both present different viewpoints on how to be a noble ruler. Some people say that Macbeth is a Machiavellian ruler. Others qualify him saying that he holds certain Machiavellian traits but not all. While other people say he isn’t a Machiavellian character at all, nor does he possess any qualities of a genuine Machiavellian ruler. Macbeth does hold some Machiavellian qualities like maintaining the fear of his army, restraining himself from possessing the women that belong to others, and not being opposed to using force in order to obtain that which he desires. Despite possessing these Machiavellian qualities, Macbeth is not a true Machiavellian leader. According to Machiavelli, a prince should avoid being hated by all, which Macbeth doesn’t do so well. Machiavelli says a prince should avoid being cruel, rapacious, a violator of the property and women of one’s subjects, because “…you will find [the] cruel and rapacious– men who… did not hesitate to commit every kind of iniquity against the people; and all… came to a bad end…” (19.20). With the death of Duncan, the other characters in the play become suspicious of Macbeth – maybe he isn’t the type of ruler they wanted after all. The other characters lose all trust and respect for Macbeth. The death of Macduff’s family ultimately causes everyone around Macbeth to hate him. Macbeth’s abrupt and ruthless decision to “give to th’edge o’th’sword to [Macduff’s] wife, [Macduff’s] babes, and all the unfortunate souls that trace [Macduff] in his line” shows how unhesitant he is to rid of any and all obstacles in his path
to the throne (4.1.151-153). This is when Macduff finally decides that Macbeth must be overthrown and Macduff himself will not rest until he “[treaded] upon the tyrant’s [Macbeth] head”
to the throne (4.1.151-153). This is when Macduff finally decides that Macbeth must be overthrown and Macduff himself will not rest until he “[treaded] upon the tyrant’s [Macbeth] head”