Examples Of Ambition In Macbeth

Shakespeare presents the theme of ambition in Macbeth. Ambition is a strong desire to do or achieve something, ambition can also be presented in a positive and negative way. Shakespeare presents ambition in a negative way through some characters who are Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and King Duncan. The reason these characters present ambition in a negative way is because they end up dying. Ambition is also present in a positive way through some characters who are Macduff, Witches and Malcolm these are the characters who survive in the play showing that you can be ambitious but not too ambitious.

Both greed and power, if not controlled, can lead to destruction. Throughout William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses both characters Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to demonstrate how ambition can change one’s personal relationships. As in the beginning of Act 1, Scene 7 Macbeth and Lady Macbeth do not share the same ambition, and it is because of this that their relationship lacks love and affection however through the use of persuasion and other means, Lady Macbeth is able to get Macbeth to pursue her ambition. This not only changes their relationship drastically but it also changes Macbeth’s attitude towards ambition. Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows us through Macbeth, the possibility for ambition to eventually turn into greed and how the lust for power may corrupt us.

Macbeth reveals through his wandering thoughts that "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th'other" (1.7. 25-28). This image of the ambition of a horse and his rider jumping too far, wanting too much, and eventually falling in the end, foreshadows Macbeth's eager efforts and tragic downfall. When Macbeth kills Duncan to get what he wants, one might think he already went too far. However, Macbeth keeps burying himself deeper and deeper into evil acts and lies. An example of this is when he kills his own friend Banquo.

We can see many different ways of ambition today; in Macbeth having ambition for the throne, people in our day-to-day life. As Macbeth is running for the throne, he stops at nothing until he gets what he wants. In Macbeth, because of ambition, we see him go through transgressive behavior, and irrational decisions, and we see Macbeth sacrifice his character. Act 3 scene I, line 65

Ambitious people are dangerous because they are willing to destroy relationships with friends/family and manipulate others in order to get closer to what they strive to accomplish. Macbeth’s ambition is dangerous because of his willingness to destroy relationships with his friends

Macbeth is the Shakespearean play that features the triumphant uprise and the inevitable downfall of its main character. In this play, Macbeth’s downfall can be considered to be the loss of his moral integrity and this is achieved by ambition, despite this, Lady Macbeth and the witches work through his ambition, furthering to assist his inevitable ruin. Ambition alone is the most significant factor that led to Macbeth’s downfall. The witches are only able to influence his actions through Macbeth’s pre-existing and the three witches see that Macbeth has ambition and uses it to control his action. Ambition alone is displayed throughout the play to be the most significant cause for Macbeth’s downfall.

Kayla Mansell Ms.Weldon English 4 12 February 2018 William Shakespeare In William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth shows ambition, violence, and manhood, which the actors demonstrated these traits through their actions. William Shakespeare portrayed these themes in the play, Macbeth. Ambition is a strong desire to do or to achieve something typically requiring determination and hard work. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were good people, but they let their ambition get the best of them.

Ambition for power is a major theme in Macbeth, it is evident that it is still evident today through Hitler in WWII. Ambition for power within Macbeth is clearly seen through both the actions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the beginning of the play whether the murder of King Duncan is being planned. After Lady Macbeth receives Macbeth's letter informing her of the witches prophecies, Lady Macbeth has a soliloquy where she states "... That I may pour my spirits in thine ear..." This quotation conveys that Lady Macbeth wants to fill Macbeth with power, motivation, ruthlessness and evil.

No boasting like a fool; This deed I’ll do before this purpose cool, (iv, ii, 149-153) This shows macbeth's ambition because he is willing to kill kids and a whole family just so he can stay king. Macbeth is a tragic hero because he meet that first requirement which is Hamartia This shows the that Macbeth is very desperate to stay king. By now, Macbeth has changed a lot.

Shakespeare uses the theme of ambition throughout Macbeth to show how it can cloud a person's mind and cause them to make irreversible decisions. As shown in the excerpt," Two truths are told as happy prologues to the swelling

The next step the reader sees of Macbeth’s growing ambition is in Act II. Macbeth is writing a letter to his wife informing her of the prophecies made by the Weird Sisters, and also of the King’s intentions to visit their household that evening. Reading this, Lady Macbeth promptly concocts a plan to murder the King in their household. That night, Macbeth tries to draw off the plan, “We will proceed no further in this business” (1.7.31). This shows that Macbeth’s ambition has not become so strong as to kill someone, nonetheless, this does not last long.

When a person kills to get what they want is an example of excessive ambition. Ambition is the one of the most important themes in Macbeth. Ambition in moderation is normal, setting goals, working overtime, etc., but tremendous ambition can be destructive. Ambition led Macbeth to kill Duncan and take his throne. It led Macbeth to kill his friend, Banquo, because he was suspicious of him and he feared he would be an obstacle.

Another example of Macbeth’s hungry ambition is in act 3, scene 3 when he sent murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance so that his lineage would remain in power. Macbeth ruled his kingdom with oppressive tyranny making foes and adversaries out of friends and allies. His tyrannical rule resulted in a revolution that led to the collapse of his regime and ultimately his

Macbeth, too, is ambitious, as he seeks to become the king of Scotland. However, his ambition is more passive, and he is easily influenced by Lady Macbeth's persuasion. He says, "I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself." (Mac.1.7.25-27). This quote shows Macbeth's reluctance to act on his ambition until Lady Macbeth manipulates him into doing so.

The choices we make reflect ourselves and represents what we have been through with our lives and what experiences we have with certain areas in life. In the play Macbeth, William Shakespeare uses the concept of ambition to explore its impact on Macbeth’s personality and thoughts. Evil motivation is one of the ultimate outcomes of excessive ambition. Motivation is always apparent when the reward for accomplishment is very appealing. For Macbeth, his drive to obtain more power through evil was his ultimate downfall.