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As the play progresses, Macbeth orders the murder of Banquo without consulting his wife in Act 3, Scene 1. Shakespeare demonstrates a clear inversion of his initial timidity through his use of manipulative language and prose, with the lack of metrical structure symbolizing the simplicity and false transparency of his request to the murderers. Macbeth beguiles the murderers into believing Banquo is a common enemy, suggesting to them, "he held you so under fortune," however the most explicit indication of his craving for power is the sacrilege in his statement, "Are you so gospelled, to pray for this good man;" mocking the teachings of Matthew that state that one should love your enemies and bless them that curse you." The teachings of the Bible were considered superior to all else in Shakespeare's era, so therefore Macbeth's statement indicates how his thirst for power has overpowered his entire rationale, and therefore progressed into an obsession. .
The growing nature of Macbeth's desire for power signifies how his obsession isn't innate, but is rather intensified with the increasing force of the witches and Lady Macbeth, until it is eventually internalized as part of his own behavior and overpowers his belief system. The influence of external forces leading to a desire that results in obsession is also a prevalent feature in "Wuthering Heights," by Emily Bronte. Bronte's narrative is arguably centered on Heathcliff and Cathy's yearning to be together, a longing that perhaps spawns from the suppressive nature of their upbringing. .
The protagonists of "Wuthering Heights," Heathcliff and Cathy, both endure a childhood in which they are largely deprived of maternal and paternal figures due to Mrs. Earnshaw's death, which happened in less than two years' and the loss of Mr. Earnshaw's that soon follows. As a result, both Heathcliff and Cathy lack the opportunity to form a primary attachment with their parents during arguably the most formative stages of their youth.
