Examining Macbeth using Machiavelli's The Prince is a great way to draw connections between texts. I believe that, while he would praise Macbeth's ability to instill fear in the hearts of his subjects, Machiavelli would ultimately condemn Macbeth as a leader, saying that he goes too far and causes his subjects to hate him, which in turn causes his downfall.
Machiavelli famously asserted that it's better for a leader to be feared than to be...
Examining Macbeth using Machiavelli's The Prince is a great way to draw connections between texts. I believe that, while he would praise Macbeth's ability to instill fear in the hearts of his subjects, Machiavelli would ultimately condemn Macbeth as a leader, saying that he goes too far and causes his subjects to hate him, which in turn causes his downfall.
Machiavelli famously asserted that it's better for a leader to be feared than to be loved, for a leader who is feared can more easily influence the populace to obey him. Macbeth is certainly feared once he murders the rightful king, Duncan, and in this respect Machiavelli would probably approve of Macbeth's leadership. As a feared ruler, Macbeth would be able to get his way and ensure that his will prevailed.
However, Macbeth is not simply feared; he incurs the wrath and hate of Macduff after he murders Macduff's family. This in turn leads Macduff to rise up against Macbeth and kill him in combat. Since Macbeth's cruelty incurs the hate of his subjects, Machiavelli would most likely condemn the Scottish ruler's reign, saying that he went too far in trying to bully his subjects into submission and was justly murdered. After all, Machiavelli stressed the importance of being feared but not hated.
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