Question

Ambition and power - Leadership - How does Shakespeare show this?

a) By portraying a leader who is compassionate and just.
b) By illustrating a leader who is ruthless and authoritative.
c) By showcasing a leader who is indecisive and weak-willed.
d) By presenting a leader who is manipulative and deceitful.

Answer 1

Shakespeare shows the themes of ambition and power through various portrayals of leaders, including ruthless and authoritative characters and manipulative and deceitful characters.

Step-by-step explanation:

In his plays, Shakespeare shows the themes of ambition and power through various portrayals of leaders. He often presents leaders who are ruthless and authoritative, such as Macbeth and Richard III, who will stop at nothing to gain and maintain power. Additionally, Shakespeare showcases leaders who are manipulative and deceitful, like Iago in Othello. These characters use their ambition and desire for power to manipulate others and achieve their own goals. By illustrating both the positive and negative aspects of leadership, Shakespeare provides a nuanced exploration of ambition and power.