preview

Examples Of Blind Ambition In Macbeth

Decent Essays

A large part of William Shakespeare’s genius is attributed to his talent in examining human nature through his works. By weaving certain themes throughout his plays and poems, Shakespeare indirectly projected messages about the inherent fallacies of mankind. Such is the case with Macbeth. As classic literature goes, there are numerous themes found throughout the script. One of the most prevalent (if not the most prevalent) themes is that of blind ambition. It’s justifiable to say that blind ambition is the driving force of the plot. Nearly every major event in Macbeth was instigated, or, at the very least, influenced by various characters’ ambitious tendencies. The characters’ decisions, their influence over other characters, and moral degradation all exemplified the effect that blind ambition had. As stated, Macbeth displays blind ambition soon after hearing the Weird Sisters’ prophesy that he will be the king of Scotland. In Act 1, Scene 4, Macbeth states: “Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Macbeth from Folger Digital Library I. iv. 58). In that line, Macbeth explicitly acknowledges his ambition and the fact that it is malicious. Macbeth’s negative intent is considered “blind” ambition since the motives are not to help his nation but rather to bolster his own power--thus, there is no vision he is trying to fulfill. Action without vision leads to destruction. In the words of the Hebrew king Solomon: “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV Bible). Throughout Macbeth, characters were seen influencing others with their own ambition. One such instance was displayed via Macbeth’s interactions with his wife. Shakespeare revealed that Lady Macbeth was even more ambitious (and cruel) than her husband in Act 1, Scene 5 when Lady Macbeth states:
Glamis thou [referring to Macbeth] art, and Cawdor, and shalt be/What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness /To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great,/Art not without ambition, but without the illness (ruthlessness) should attend it. (Macbeth from Folger Digital Library I. v. 15-20)
These lines show Lady Macbeth thinking that while Macbeth ambitious, he lacks the “illness” (a

Get Access