Murders, ghosts and floating daggers are the usual attractions for most who read William Shakespeare's Macbeth, and yet there is an important theme that some could ignore. Written in the early 17th century, Macbeth is believed to be based on historical events recorded in Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of Scotland and other current events of the time. Shakespeare constructs the memorable world of Macbeth with a mysterious and sinister atmosphere, incorporating evil elements into this world with the appearance of Hecate, witches, prophecies and ghostly apparitions. Throughout his story, Macbeth is controlled by his desire for power, allowing himself to be influenced, using evil means to gain and maintain power, to the point that Macbeth is blinded to everything else. In Macbeth, Shakespeare vividly demonstrates a recognizable theme of the heavy pull that power has on those in authority. Shakespeare masterfully illustrates the disappearance of man through Macbeth who falls under the control of the thirst for power. Throughout the story, Shakespeare gradually suffocates his character, Macbeth, by the powerful influence of the desire for power. At first, Macbeth is seen as a war hero; apparently not concerned with his advancement, but rather honorably fighting for king and country. As one soldier describes it after a battle: "But all is too weak, For brave Macbeth - well, he deserves the name - Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, Who smoked with bloody execution, Like a servant of valor pushed his way through until he confronted the slave. who never shook his hand, nor bade him farewell, till he had stripped him from the nave to his ribs, and fixed his head on our battlements. (1.2) However, Macbeth is impressionable and once... middle of paper... I will never cower in doubt or tremble in fear. (5.3) Yet, soon after, he demands news of his enemy and asks for his armor for protection. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth clearly illustrate the considerable influence that power has over those in authority. For, once incentivized to do so, both power-hungry people chose corruption in order to obtain and preserve the stolen power. Power has proven so addictive to both men that they remain consumed by darkness and take great, deadly measures to ensure their safety on the throne. Once the darkness has accomplished its mission, captivating the king and queen and leading their victims to their own demise. Cession triggered by their induced corruption. The theme of the power of power is aptly expressed by Lord Dalberg-Acton: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. » Works Cited Macbeth by William Shakespeare