Shakespeare's Macbeth is an excellent example of how power can corrupt. Power corrupts Macbeth, who was a loyal servant and brave hero, instantly once he has a taste of it. The thought of Macbeth becoming king and gaining all of this power also corrupts Lady Macbeth as well. Power is the downfall of Macbeth. The Shakespearian play Macbeth shows that, one who has power can lose their sense of what is wrong or right and that someone's morals can disappear instantly.
The beginning of the corruption begins when Macbeth is visited by the three witches who prophesied that he will become the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth instantly thinks of many devilish and evil ideas on how he will become king. Duncan dies by the hand of Macbeth due to a desire for power. Once Macbeth becomes king he becomes paranoid. Macbeth begins to fear his friend Banquo, thus he starts thinking that Banquo is plotting to kill him. Macbeth is so paranoid; he orders Banquo and his son to be murdered. The thought of loosing his power causes Macbeth to kill his own friend. Macbeth becomes extremely paranoid! He also fears Macduff, who is the Thane of Fife. Again, Macbeth's desire for power leads him ordering for the murder of Macduff's wife and sons. Power completely corrupts and changes Macbeth. He becomes a paranoid, ruthless, senseless individual. .
Power corrupts others characters, not just Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is also affected very negatively. A greed for power causes Lady Macbeth to also think vicious thoughts. The idea to kill Duncan is Lady Macbeth's plan that she told to her husband. Lady Macbeth is initially consumed with delusional thoughts, in which she is asking evil spirits to come into her and "unsex" her so she can fulfill the murder of Duncan. Lady Macbeth begins to become crazy with guilt and begins to sleepwalk at night. The power eventually drives Lady Macbeth insane and she kills herself. The lust and greed for power has led to the murder of others and to the death of Lady Macbeth.