“The Lion King” is quite noticeably similar to Macbeth. Both share striking resemblances in the plot, characters, and the themes. Although influenced by Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, “The Lion King” has many similarities with Macbeth.
Theme & Plot –
A common, recurring theme found in both Macbeth and Lion King is the notion of good and evil.
Macbeth is “consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife,” which results in him murdering King Duncan in order to earn the Scottish throne for himself. He is then “wracked with guilt and paranoia.” This depicts the idea of good and evil, and how ambition and continuous persuasion can lead one to evil. Macbeth was once loyal to King Duncan, however, the thirst and greed for power forced him into doing “evil.”
In the “Lion King,” Scar plots to kill Mufasa in order to take over the throne. Scar desires authority, and this need for authority and power leads to “evil.”
In both cases, the plot and theme remains the same. It presents the desire of power/authority which leads to evil. In their cases, it leads to murder. This theme of good and evil is prevalent throughout both The Lion King and Macbeth.
Characters –
The characters in both Macbeth and The Lion King are quite similar. They share the same motives, characteristics, and desires.
Macbeth and Scar both wanted to be the King and committed “evil” in order to achieve it. However, both characters weren’t always “evil”, in fact they were generous, hardworking and loyal. Macbeth was a courageous Scottish general who was not naturally inclined to commit evil deeds, yet he deeply desired power and advancement. In both cases, the desire for power led to murder.
Simba and Malcolm are both similar. They are the son of the kings and both took the throne from the person/animal who killed their father. Both characters desired to gather support to overthrow the tyrant who usurped their father’s rule. Simba and Malcolm are both characterized as dutiful and prudent.
Mufasa and Duncan are quite similar. Both were Kings who had died from another’s greed, ambition, and selfishness. Both characters were humble, virtuous, and well-respected rulers.
Summary –
From Macbeth’s and Scar’s rise, fall, and destruction, a clear idea develops:
- The corrupting power of unchecked ambition is destructive. It leads to the destruction of self and others.
- The conflict between good and evil, and the conflict between loyalty and treachery can cause inner destruction. (Macbeth was once loyal to King Duncan and Scar was once loyal to Mufasa. However, “evil” intentions lead to treachery.)
Links for reference:
https://cdn2.rsc.org.uk/sitefinity/education-pdfs/themes-resources/edu-macbeth-themes.pdf?sfvrsn=4
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/themesmacbeth.html
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