Sample essay topic, essay writing: Comparing Washington And Macbeth: The Fate Of A Nation - 445 words

George Washington and MacBeth were two historic figures who wereinfluential in determining the fate of their nation. Both were ambitiousmen living during perilous times, yet each charted a different course forhimself and his country when faced with the lure of power. Washingtonfulfilled his ambitions by devoting his life to creating a nation, whileMacBeth was ignorant his responsibilities to his country, in turndestroying it and himself. Throughout his whole life, Washington yearned for power. As a youngman, he wanted this power as a British officer. Later, as a Virginiagentleman, he sought power in the forms of honor and wealth.

His ultimaterise to power eventually came when he was pronounced general of thecolonial militia in the war against Britain. It was under his command thatthe colonial militia emerged victorious against the British. However, indefeating the British another threat to American democracy had beenreleased. This threat was Washington himself. Washington had the colonialmilitia under his control

He could have easily performed a 'coup d''etat'and seized control of the newly freed nation. However, Washington'sambitions were not to become a dictator, or king. He believed that powerdid not come from controlling others, but from the honor and respect thatwas given to him. Washington knew that this power would only come fromsubordination to civilian authority. He would be a precedent by being thefirst general to turn down his immense powers.

With these actions, Washington assured the success of a new democratic nation. MacBeth, like Washington, was power hungry and very successful in war. However, he felt that power came from wealth and control over hissubordinates. As a king, MacBeth abused his power. His first priority wasto secure his own safety, and not his country's. He does this byassassinating Banquo. This action shows only concern for himself, but notfor his nation. When he visits the Witches, he does not ask about thefuture of Scotland, but his own future.

As a king, he only kills anddestroys, but does not nurture his country. Scotland suffered greatlyduring MacBeth's rule because of his ignorance and refusal to step down andlet someone better qualified take over. The majority of MacBeth's thaneseventually went to England to seek help to overthrow him. This led toMacBeth's own downfall when help finally arrives from England. Lord Acton once said, 'Power tends to corrupt and absolute powercorrupts absolutely'. MacBeth epitomizes this quote. He took power andwas overwhelmed by it.

He did not think about the responsibilities thatcame with his power, and ruined his life and country. However, Washingtonwas not overwhelmed by his power. His restraint of it paved the way forthe first truly democratic nation. His willingness to sacrifice this powerbrought him the honorable reputation he had sought for his entire life.

Research paper and essay writing, free essay topics, sample works Comparing Washington And Macbeth: The Fate Of A Nation

• The Fate of a Nation

George Washington and MacBeth were two historic figures who were influential in determining the fate of their nation. Both were ambitious men living during perilous times, yet each charted a different course for himself and his country when faced with the lure of power. Washington fulfilled his ambitions by devoting his life to creating a

• English – Macbeth

Macbeth: a Tragic Hero A tragic hero is a person who’s life is determined by four elements: fate, weakness (in Macbeth’s case, fear), poor decision making, and the realization of flaws with inability to prevent the oncoming tragedy. First of all, fate is defined as the power or force held to predetermine events. Fate makes

• Macbeth power

There are many different types of power which a person may have. Some of the time, however, the person in that power is not the best person to be in that power. This is especially true in William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Throughout the course of the play, the Three Witches and Lady Macbeth are the people

• The Murder

In the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches. The witches predict that Macbeth will be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and king. They tell Banquo that his sons will become kings. At that point Macbeth was already Thane of Glamis because of his father. He also had been named Thane

• The Downfall of Macbeth

Macbeth's love for Lady Macbeth, in William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, caused Macbeth to feel the need to prove his manhood, which eventually lead to his downfall. Macbeth was not secure in his manhood, so he felt the need to prove himself to Lady Macbeth. After he proved he was a man by killing Duncan, and