Ambition in Macbeth A key issue involved in Macbeth is ambition. Ambition is created when determination gets out of hand. It finds its most significant expressions in the plays two main characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The main reason why it all gets started is because of the witches' interference by putting suggestions into Macbeth's mind. Lady Macbeth's ambition forces him to act on these ambitions as well. The couple proves that unchecked ambition will ultimately destroy.
The thematic importance of ambition is revealed throughout MacBeth in a manner that is not always instantly visually evident to a conscientious reader. Although it is responsible for MacBeth’s rise to power, his “vaulting ambition” is also to blame for MacBeth’s tragic downfall. MacBeth would not have been able to achieve his power as King of Scotland, or have been able to carry out his evil deeds, if it was not for his ambition. In these instances, ambition helped MacBeth achieve his goals to a certain
killing of Duncan begins with the witches prophesying that Macbeth will be king. Macbeth wants to fulfil this prophecy due to his high ambitions. However, the prophecy is fulfilled only because Lady Macbeth leads her husband through the barriers. It is Macbeth’s wife who causes the death of Duncan. Lady Macbeth acts as Macbeth’s superior while the murder of Duncan occurs. Lady Macbeth has high ambitions for her husband. She understands that Macbeth has a lust for the throne. However, she fears that her
talents and great ambition” (Marques). Ambition can be infinite. Ranging with the combination of good qualities and bad qualities. The distinction between having too much ambition and having too little all depends upon the person and is misconstrued depending on this person’s morality. It is healthy to have ambition and pushing oneself to be the best. But in the case of Macbeth, he has too much ambition and is unable to control it. When Banquo and Macbeth stumble upon the witches, Macbeth takes to prophecy
The Tragedy of Ambition in Macbeth Shakespeare's tragic play, Macbeth, shares common themes with many other stories and actual events. Many scandals, both historic and current, can be linked to greed, ambition, and abuse of power. Typically, the key figures are motivated by, and are inevitably destroyed by, ambition. This is also the case in Macbeth, where ambition leads to the downfall of the once great character, Macbeth. William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, is a play about a man's
The Power of Corruption and Unbridled Ambition in Macbeth Very few producers of art can actually let their works claim the appellation 'classic.' For to create a piece of work - literature, art, or poetry, that stands the test of time, that proves the author's premise relevant not just in the period when he created it, but also in the generations that follow, is not an easy task. The works of William Shakespeare (1564-1616) have, more than once, proved worthy of the title 'classic.' Not
In the play of “Macbeth”, Shakespeare gradually and effectively deepens our understanding of the themes and most importantly the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The main theme of Macbeth is ambition, and how it compels the main characters to pursue it. The antagonists of the play are the three witches, who symbolise the theme appearance and reality. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relation is an irony throughout the play, as most of their relation is based on greed and power. This is different
Unprincipled Ambition in Macbeth The Bard of Avon saturates the pages of the tragedy Macbeth with ugly feelings of ambition - unprincipled ambition which is ready to kill for itself. Let's thoroughly search out the major instances of ambitious behavior by the husband-wife team. Samuel Johnson in The Plays of Shakespeare explains the place of ambition in this tragedy: The danger of ambition is well described; and I know not whether it may not be said in defence of some parts which
accomplish it. This explains how Macbeth 's speedy rise to the throne. Macbeth makes quick work of becoming king because he sets his mind to the ambitions he holds, and accomplishes them with Lady Macbeth 's support pushing him. However, sometimes harmless ambitions set in motion a path of negative and harmful actions required to achieve them. Macbeth 's hasty rise to the throne is due to obtaining the knowledge of the future and possessing an overpowering amount of ambition (Shakespeare). When he hears
Ever since he heard the prophecies that promised him power, Macbeth’s mind has been descending into a disoriented state as times passed. In the duration of Acts 1 and 2, Macbeth, under the influence of Lady Macbeth and his own ambition, has changed from being a rational, level-headed man to one of questionable integrity. With Macbeth’s coronation, not only does his inner turmoil affect his mentality, but also his behaviour and senses. Scotland is immersed in more chaos by Macbeth’s hunger for supremacy
Macbeth is a tragic play written by the poet and playwright William Shakespeare, with a theme that captures the consequences of harboring extreme ambition and resorting to treachery to fulfil one’s desires. It is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s finest works, often adapted into theatre productions, books, and movies across the world even today.
On his way back from a war he has just won, the Scottish general Macbeth meets three witches who prophesize that Macbeth is destined to become the king of Scotland. Although Macbeth’s companion, Banquo, laughs at the predictions, Macbeth is thrilled to hear of this possibility. He goes home and tells his wife about his encounter with the witches. Lady Macbeth, who is equally thrilled, plots the murder of King Duncan with her husband. They manage to kill the king and smear his blood on his guards’ daggers, blaming them for the murder. The king's sons manage to escape and flee on hearing about their father’s death. Consequently, Macbeth becomes the king. More murders follow in an attempt to bury the truth. Banquo is also murdered by Macbeth, following which, he is driven mad by the appearance of Banquo’s bloody ghost. Overcome with guilt, Lady Macbeth kills herself. All hell breaks loose, and eventually Macbeth is killed by Macduff, the Thane of Fife.
Through this play, Shakespeare explores how far a person can go to fulfill his ambitions. The thirst for power can corrupt even the best of minds, which is portrayed by Macbeth as he crosses the moral line and resorts to murder to fulfill his ambition, which took seed with the witches’ prophecy. The play, Macbeth, also underlines that there are consequences to each and every action. Apart from Macbeth, Shakespeare wrote multitudes of tragic plays like Hamlet, Othello, Julius Caesar, and more.
Interested to know more about this theme in Macbeth? Check out our Macbeth essays and research papers that discuss and analyze the theme of ambition.