In a political context, a politician who is overly eager for power may be seen as a modern - day Macbeth. He might make underhanded deals, manipulate the media, and sacrifice the well - being of his constituents all in the name of climbing the political ladder. For instance, he could promise things during his campaign that he has no intention of fulfilling just to get elected.
The theme of ambition is still very much present. In modern day stories, just like in the original Macbeth, characters' over - reaching ambition often leads them to make unethical choices. For example, in a business setting, someone's ambition to be the CEO might lead them to engage in corporate espionage, similar to how Macbeth's ambition led him to murder.
In a modern day Macbeth short story, we often see the themes of ambition and power updated to fit contemporary settings. Macbeth's character might be a corporate climber, for example. His 'Lady Macbeth' could be his ambitious partner, pushing him to unethical deeds in the business world to gain power. The witches could be represented as some sort of all - knowing, shadowy figures in the financial or political underworld, whose prophecies set Macbeth on his dark path.
One modern day horror story could be about cyberstalking. A person's every move online is monitored by an unknown entity, their personal information leaked, and they start receiving threats. Another could be the horror of living in a polluted environment where the air is so bad it makes people sick, and the water is undrinkable. There are also stories about identity theft, where someone wakes up to find their entire financial life in ruins because a criminal has stolen their identity.
One example could be the movie 'The Lion King'. Simba's situation has some parallels to Hamlet. His father is killed unjustly, and he is haunted by his father's death and has to face the usurper, Scar, much like Hamlet has to deal with Claudius. Another example might be in some modern political dramas where a young heir to power has to avenge the death of a family member while navigating a corrupt political system.
Another modern day torture story is about the abuse of detainees in certain conflict zones. There have been accounts of detainees being subjected to physical beatings, sleep deprivation, and other forms of cruel treatment. These actions violate basic human rights and international laws.
Another is 'West Side Story'. It's inspired by 'Romeo and Juliet'. The feuding families are replaced by rival gangs in New York City. The story of star - crossed lovers remains, but with a more contemporary backdrop, different cultures, and the added element of social commentary on issues like immigration and discrimination.
One example could be stories of people inheriting family land or property in modern times. It might involve the challenges they face in maintaining or making decisions about it. Another could be the inheritance of a family business. The heir has to deal with modern market competition and changing consumer demands while carrying on the family legacy.
Some might consider the 'Avengers' series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as modern day epic stories. It brings together a large group of superheroes with their own unique abilities and backstories. They face global and even universal threats like Thanos. There are epic battles, character arcs, and a sense of an overarching story that spans multiple movies, making it a modern epic in the superhero genre.
Macbeth in a modern day short story changes in terms of his relationships as well. At first, he might have strong friendships and be well - liked in his workplace or community. However, as his ambition grows, he distances himself from those who care about him. He may even betray his closest friends or colleagues if they stand in the way of his rise to power. His moral compass completely shifts, and he no longer values the things he once did, like honesty and loyalty.
One example could be the story of two young people from different religious backgrounds in a very strict community. Their families have strong religious beliefs that oppose the union of the two. Similar to Romeo and Juliet, they have to face family opposition, secrecy, and the struggle to be together in a society that seems set against their relationship.