The Prince, by Machiavelli, expresses principles on the way in which a prince is expected. The act is directly applied through Shakespeare's characters in his play MacBeth. The most vital principle for any prince is how to avoid being hated at all costs. The other includes the correct use of mercy and cruelty, as well as the question of whether it is better to be loved or feared. MacBeth and Duncan illustrate the polar aspects of the principles presented by Machiavelli. MacBeth represents a prince corrupted by the excessive use of cruelty, killing those who present themselves as threats. Duncan shows, through his naive nature, that it is better to be feared than loved. Thanks to the principles Machiavelli applies in MacBeth, it is simple to analyze how a true prince should behave. Machiavelli's perspective on the power of politics is to maintain a stable environment throughout the state at all costs. They describe the correct way a prince should rule when he comes to power. His opinion is proven true through the textual evidence provided in The Prince. According to Machiavelli, a prince must strive to be both lo...