Macbeth, William Shakespeare, 1623 - A patriotic greed

Extract

[...] This is another dilemma about patriotism. In theory, the love for one's country should match one's loyalty and obedience. Although the people have a voice, they should tolerate the demand of the Crown. In a sense, the desire for improvement is a selfish reason for treason. As for Macduff, his dedication for the rebellion may be fueled by personal vengeance instead of patriotism. Although he desperately wanted Malcolm to take arms against Macbeth, the news about his family has a greater impact. [...]

[...] This is the dilemma of patriotism. In theory, patriotism is the love for one's country and its Crown. Since Macduff is attempting to overthrow the Crown, he lacks patriotism, but this is not the case. In the Play, most of Macbeth's followers are either rebelling or fleeing. This suggests that patriotism is not related to the Crown; it is simply the devotion toward the country alone. In this case, the Crown is the very product of the country and its people. [...]

[...] While Macbeth and Banquo seems to be devoted toward the country and the Crown, they reveal “black and dark desires” (I.iv.58). Especially after Duncan's death, Banquo joins the hope for power as opposed to his patriotic pride of protecting the country. By wanting to be root and father/[o]f many kings”, he has abandoned his duty of bringing Macbeth to justice. This indicates the loss of patriotism by both Macbeth and Banquo. On the contrary, the most patriotic people are considered traitors, because they are fleeing from Scotland and the Crown, Macbeth. [...]