A Coparison of Macbeth and John Gotti
The thesis statement argues that the play Macbeth and the organization known as the Mafia have much in common despite their differences. Both Macbeth and John Gotti allow their unbridled ambition and greed to corrupt their value systems as they use premeditated murder to rise to power.
(a) The two are similar in bravery, loyalty and ruthlessness.
(a) Values of Macbeth are Gotti’s.
(a) Gotti’s murder of Paul Castellano.
(b) Gotti’s murder of Tommy Bilotti.
(b) Macbeth’s murder of Banquo and attempted murder of Fleance.
Similar character qualities contributed to downfall of Macbeth and Gotti.
There are many similarities between Macbeth and the Mafia. Both have a clear desire for power demonstrated by their utilization of premeditated murder and change in value system that often accompanies unbridled ambition. Similarities between the play and organized crime include their organizational structure and rules of behavior. Specific examples of behavior influenced by ambition and greed will present factors that contributed to a change in value system allowing Macbeth and members of organized crime to ultimately commit murder in order to achieve power.
The character of Macbeth is extremely similar to John Gotti, the former head of New York’s Gambino crime family. Macbeth is one of the most ruthless murderers in all Shakespeare and Gotti was one of the most ruthless organized crime figures since Al Capone. However, ambition and greed allowed both Macbeth and Gotti to rise in power and wealth through intimidation, fear and murder. Yet, before either man rose to his ill-gotten pinnacle of power, they followed a similar path to success. Macbeth is loyal and brave in the service of King Duncan, though he is known as being extremely violent in the execution of his duties to the king. When the play opens we hear a soldier discussing Macbeth’s loyalty in k...