Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel – November 2020

Shakespeare explored the theme of power and control through the relationships between characters and their competition for dominance in many of his plays. In this essay, we’ll look at examples from several of Shakespeare’s plays to analyse how he conveys concepts about control and power.

Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” is one of the most notable instances of authority and control. As Macbeth becomes more and more tyrannical after assuming the throne, the play investigates the corruption of power. The manipulation of her husband by Lady Macbeth, who herself desires control, shows how important she is in encouraging Macbeth to seek power. In Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth says, “Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill me from the crown to the toe topful / Of direst cruelty” (1.5.38-41).