How Is Macbeth's Influence On Ambition And Ambition

Macbeth knows that if he wants to become king then King Duncan must die, as he is the main person preventing this from occuring. This quote foreshadows the murder of King Duncan which ultimately results in Macbeth being crowned king since Duncan's sons flee the scene for protection, in order to prevent getting murdered themselves since they're next in line for the throne. This shows Macbeth's ambition because he is willing to do anything to get to the throne and become king even if it means murder. Macbeth even realizes that he is beginning to have “black and deep desires” in Act 1, Scene 4, and this shows his ambitious thoughts to murder the

Unlike his wife, Macbeth does not instantly assume he must do something as drastic as murdering the King of Scotland for his own political gain. In addition to this, Macbeth had serious doubt on murdering Duncan, as he held so much respect for him. His doubt is displayed in this quote, “But in these cases / We still have judgment here, that we but teach / Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return / To plague th' inventor: this even-handed justice/ Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice / To our own lips.” (1.7, 7-12).

Nevertheless, to become king, Macbeth realizes that in order to attain the throne, he would have to murder King Duncan. This soliloquy further foreshadows Macbeth’s over-ambition and how his character develops into one more corrupt throughout the play. Moreover, Macbeth’s selfishness highlights him as a relatively evil character. The murders of King Duncan and Banquo have already transpired, yet Macbeth still believes that his position as king is being threatened by others. Macbeth states, “Blood will have blood.

As a result, Macbeth, after being heavily influenced by his wife and his own greed, kills King Duncan. Once he finishes killing the king he feels a huge sense of regret and guilt after committing this murderous act. However, he still achieves his aspiration of becoming king in which he is very possessive of. While Macbeth is king, he reminisces about the original

“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself…” (1.7.25-27) During the first act, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth come up with a plan to kill King Duncan, so Macbeth can become the king. But there are some obstacles that Macbeth has to face before becoming king. And Macbeth admits that he has ambition taking him over and that it is making him “power hungry” or just wanting to become powerful.

First, I am his kinsman and his subject,/ Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,/ Who should against the murderer shut the door,/ Not bear the knife myself” (I.7.12-16). Macbeth is saying that if he were to kill Duncan, he would betray both the trust between king and subject, which is sworn by oath, and the trust between host and guest, which is necessary for both to feel safe. Lastly, Macbeth is trusted by another thane named Banquo, who he has a developed friendship with. Macbeth and Banquo fight together in the war against Norway, as shown when Duncan asks, “Dismayed not this our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?”

Macbeth starts talking to himself and explains why and why not to kill the king. He says, “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed” (1.7.). Macbeth is saying here that he is Duncan’s Kingsman, and his job is to protect him. Macbeth also explains that as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door,Not bear the knife myself” (1.7.). The Thane of Glamis and Cawdor explains that he should be the one who should protect Duncan from death, and not be the one who kills him.

Ella Shepard Madison Billings Honors English B 8 May 2023 How Macbeth's Ambition Was A Tragic Spiral into Darkness In Shakespeare's book Macbeth, the main character Macbeth’s ambition ultimately leads to his downfall. Ambition can be two faced. It can make us achieve great things, but also it can lead to negative effects: The negative effects of ambition include mental health issues, relationship problems, and even death. In this play ambition was a negative force in the play.

With hesitations Macbeth is drawn to commit a murder that should not take place. Lady Macbeth calls him out on his weakness, saying he will be a man when it is all over with. Macbeth is weak and listens to Lady Macbeth and kills King Duncan for her want to be Queen of Scotland. The ambition of becoming King of Scotland is stronger than knowing what is right from wrong within Macbeth. Macbeth condemns his fate making his decisions himself, being pressured by his wife to do what is wrong.

However, when the witches prophesize, that Macbeth will become the king of Scotland, Macbeth's ambition takes over, and he begins to consider the possibility of fulfilling this prophecy. Although he initially ignores the idea, his ambition and desire for power lead him to commit murder. As Macbeth himself acknowledges, "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other" (Shakespeare I.7.25-28). This quote reveals that Macbeth's ambition is the driving force behind his decision to kill King Duncan. Despite knowing that murdering a king is a terrible crime, Macbeth chooses to go through with the plan because he wants to become the king

In the beginning of the play, Macbeth, though hesitant, is manipulated by his wife, Lady Macbeth, into murdering the king, Duncan. After executing the murder, Macbeth feels as though he can no longer recognize himself and is horrified by what he did: “I am afraid to look at what I have done… Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” (2.2.66-79). The “blood” on Macbeth’s hands that not even “great Neptune’s ocean” could wash off, symbolizes the guilt weighing on his conscience. Though his guilt haunts him, Macbeth knows he must act innocent.

On the other hand, Macbeth is depicted as a man who is torn between his ambition and his conscience. He is unable to cope with the guilt of killing his king and struggles with his conscience throughout the play. He says, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?" (Mac.2.2.57-58). The portrayed quote shows a prime example of Macbeth's guilt and dejection after the killing of King Duncan.

Macbeth’s ambition is what is causing him to intervene with his prophecy and pursue his goal (rather than leave it to chance). In a way, it is Macbeth’s own “black and deep desires” that make him kill in the first place as the witches never tell him to do so. Furthermore, apart from ambition, it is Macbeth’s own weak will and moral system that causes him to do the actions that result in his downfall. Macbeth’s weak will is undeniable and is illustrated before killing Duncan. “I have of spur/To prick the sides of my intent, but only/Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself/And falls on the other” (I, VII, 25-28).

Lady Macbeth even views her husband’s weaknesses as leverage to harass him into killing Duncan. This can be seen when, at one stage, Macbeth repels the idea of killing a good king and believes that the assassination should not be done, his wife demands him to kill by saying abusive words. She questions if Macbeth loves her, she questions Macbeth’s masculinity and she criticizes Macbeth’s aspiration to be king. These three brutal statements hurt Macbeth. Since Macbeth wants to prove his manhood, his love for

Additionally, Macbeth is also scared when his wife brings the idea of murder to the table. Even after the murder happens, Macbeth says, “To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself ” (Shakespeare 72). This shows taking charge by whatever means make him uncomfortable and making him unwilling to do many things. Moreover, Macbeth is seen weak when is is guilty for the murder and wishes duncan was still alive and regretting actions. He even hallucinates of a dagger with blood because he is so traumatized by the murder.