Power Reveals The Truth Underneath

1 Asad Subhan Matthew Jostiak Manella ENG2D1-34 - English 09, January, 2026 Power Reveals The Truth Underneath Power has the ability to change how a person acts and treats others, especially when limits are placed on it. When people gain power, their true values and morals are often revealed through their actions and decisions. This idea is clearly shown in Macbeth by William Shakespeare and the memoir Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat. In both, people are tested by power, whether they happen to gain it or are controlled by it. Through ambition, cruelty, fear, and resilience, the two authors showcase that power does not create new people, but instead exposes who you truly are. In Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates that power reveals a person’s true character by exposing who they really are, as shown with Macbeth and his hidden ambition and lack of general morality. Even before Macbeth becomes king, he admits his dark thoughts when he says, “Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires.” (1.4.50-51). This shows that Macbeth already wants power and understands that what he needs to do in order to attain it is wrong. After he becomes the king, his fear of losing that same power takes over, leading him to say, “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.” (3.1.48). This quote reveals that power has made Macbeth paranoid, insecure, and consumed by his own thoughts.. Finally, Macbeth decides to order the death of Banquo in order to protect his power, showing that the desire for power has 2 pushed him to act violently unnecessarily. These two moments prove that power did not create Macbeth’s violent nature, instead that it was already a part of him beforehand. In Prisoner of Tehran, Marina Nemat demonstrates that power reveals who people really are by exposing the nature of those given it. When Marina is arrested and taken to Evin Prison, the guards immediately use their power and intimidation to control her, (Nemat 13) making it clear that they hold complete power over her at Evin Prison. One guard suggests that she can avoid all the pain if she cooperates, (Nemat 12), showing how authority is enforced through threats and fear (Nemat 12). Another guard mocks Marina’s faith when she asks for prayer beads he replies, saying “Prayer is what you need in Evin,” (Nemat 12). This shows the guards think they can act without consequences, which exposes their lack of compassion and corruption by the power they have over other people. In contrast, Marina’s ability to stay calm and hopeful reveals her inner strength. While the guards’ power exposes cruelty, Marina’s lack of power reveals her resilience. This theme of people corrupted by power resonates with my own life, as I have seen how differently people act when given power in school or group projects, whether it be as a leader in a culminating project or as a grade representative. Some people become fair leaders who help others, while others become selfish and controlling. This is similar to Macbeth, who becomes obsessed with protecting his power, and the guards of Prisoner of Tehran, who abuse their authority. At the same time, I have seen people remain respectful and responsible, similar to how Marina holds onto her values despite the power the guards have over her. These experiences show that power acts as a test that reveals someone's true character. In conclusion, both Macbeth and Prisoner of Tehran demonstrate that power reveals who people really are. Those who hold the power often reveal their true nature, sometimes revealing 3 ambition and cruelty, while others reveal to be responsible, as seen with King Duncan in Macbeth. Those without power sometimes reveal resilience, or they fall apart. This idea applies not only to these characters, but can also be seen in real life where power continues to test people’s values. In the end, how someone chooses to use their power says more about them then the power itself. Works Cited Nemat, Marina. Prisoner of Tehran. Simon and Schuster, 1 May 2007. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Spark Notes, 2003.