Macbeth's Ambition Research Paper

The demanding power of ambition is noted through Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. Within this play, ambition is portrayed as a corrupting and unquenchable force through the main concepts of mental imbalance, supernatural behaviours and betrayal. The all-consuming desires of Macbeth and their repercussions are vividly enhanced through the use of various expressive literary techniques. Within the play, there are countless references of the supernatural, which often transpired to tragedies. An example such supernatural ambition occurs between the witches; “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1, Scene 1, pg 29). This quote from the opening scene reverses the syntactic structure and symbolizes a reversal in the logical order of the play as well as

Human nature, the dictation of an individual’s actions, is controlled by two majors force of loyalty and ambition. The play Macbeth, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, revolves around the story of Macbeth and his rise from the thane of Cawdor to the King of Scotland through multiple bloody murders. His malevolent acts lead him to be hated by many, prompting a revolt that ends his reign. Initially, Macbeth was shown to be loyal follower, never thinking to do anything that would contrast his allegiance to the king. Upon hearing a prophecy of his future to become king, a spark of ambition ignited within Macbeth that drove him to commit foul acts in order to gain kingship. Macbeth’s loyal characteristics and ambitions could not coexist, and as one fought for control against the other, Macbeth delved further into darkness culminating in his fall and death. Throughout the play of Macbeth, Shakespeare depicts that it is human nature to struggle with the balance of one’s own obligations as well as the desires and ambitions that drives them; he presents this struggle as impossible to overcome, with it eventually leading one’s self to the brink of insanity.

It is obvious that Macbeth has ambition, as most people who are in power do. In fact, ambition is often a necessary quality of people in such high standing as Macbeth is. However, Macbeth’s ambition does not just drive him to do great things. It in fact controls him

There are many different themes displayed in Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. Many of these themes play with nature, the supernatural, and fate. From ghosts to horses eating each other the play uses symbolism, language, and characters to portray these themes. During the play the audience learns of several themes such as ambition, guilt, fate versus free will, nature versus the unnatural, and how things are not always as they seem.

In play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most dominant and frightening female characters, known for her ambitious nature. As Macbeth’s wife, her role is significant in his rise and fall from royalty. During Shakespearean times, women were regarded as weak insignificant beings that were there to give birth and look beautiful. They were not thought to be as intelligent or equal to men. Though in Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is the highest influence in Macbeth’s life. Her role was so large; in fact, that she uses her position to gain power, stay strong enough to support her unstable Lord, and fails miserably while their

In Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’, Macbeth is seen to be the grounds of his own downfall. Macbeth’s actions bring upon his downfall, because it is he who eventually chose to kill Banquo and MacDuff’s family. These actions were due to his ambitious nature. Lady Macbeth is also to blame for her husband’s demise because she is the one who originally pushed Macbeth into killing Duncan; her actions cause Macbeth to eventually meet his own death. Lady Macbeth is not the only factor that cause Macbeth’s downfall. The three witches are also responsible because they heighten Macbeth’s confidence and put the idea that he cannot be killed by anything. Macbeth’s ambitious nature

For Macbeth, it was the 3 witches who originally corrupt him. The story of Macbeth would not have happened if it wasn’t for the witches telling Macbeth, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! / All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! / All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Shakespeare 1.3.51-53). The witches tell Macbeth that he will be king, as a series of 3 different prophecies. Two of the prophecies are already fulfilled unbeknownst to Macbeth at the time. The 3rd and final prophecy fills Macbeth with ambition. If it was not for the 3rd prophecy, Macbeth would not have had the original thought to kill Duncan for the crown, but by giving Macbeth this “prophecy”, it fills him with the ambition to become king. Unfortunately for Macbeth, the witches would not be the only force stoking his ambition. Macbeth was very successful at talking himself out of killing Duncan until Lady Macbeth, his wife, tells him “When you durst do it, then you were a man; / And to be more than what you were, you would / Be so much more the man” (Shakespeare 1.7.56-58). By questioning his manhood, Lady Macbeth was able to talk Macbeth into killing Duncan. She kept pushing Macbeth until he would eventually relent and give in to attempt his

An ambition for power can seem to be true perfection, but one should be careful what they wish for, because that power might be exactly what causes their downfall. In the play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare ambition plays a great role and is also a main theme. Ambition is often the motivating force in one's life. It is supposed to be the motivating factor that drives one towards success. The main character, Macbeth has ambition even though it leads him to his downfall. In contrast, Lady Macbeth pursues her goals with greater determination, yet she is less capable of withstanding the outcome of her actions. She becomes guilty which leads to her death since she becomes mentally ill and commits suicide, leaving Macbeth without any

Crowning Ambition To achieve a goal, dream it, set your mind to it, and accomplish it. This explains Macbeth's speedy rise to the throne in Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Macbeth makes quick work of becoming king because he sets his mind to his ambitions and accomplishes them with (Lady Macbeth's support pushing him). However, sometimes ambitions override logic, which sets a path of negative and harmful actions required to achieve them.

In Macbeth ambition plays a huge role in character devolvement. Ambition affects four of the major characters. The characters are Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Malcom, and Banquo. The sisters are the source of Ambition. It is as if they control ambition. The ambition the sisters’ control is negative ambition. Ambition is, wanting to have more then you have and wanting it now.

Ambition: a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Generally, ambition is a quality that triggers hard work and yields success. However, when you lust after something as treacherous as power, the risks are high. The strong ambition and lust for power has ended in tragedy for multiple historical figures such as Mussolini or Hitler and evidently, Macbeth. Macbeth’s strong desire to obtain something as “satisfying” as power over others quickly resulted in thoughtless plans and hysterical actions.

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, his acknowledgement of his crimes, and by further disturbance in the human order and divine order.

Ambition is what creates the inner fuel that drives people towards their vision. People with ambition don't just sit around and wish they were wealthy, NO! they get up off their couch and start making a plan on how to become successful. Ambition is what drives people to succeed in life. Derek Jeter, a famous major league baseball player, was a first round draft pick at the age of 18.

Ambition is a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. In Williams Shakespeare 's Macbeth the characters Lady Macbeth and Macbeth have a strong desire to ascend the throne and they are determined to do whatever it takes in order to achieve this goal, including deceiving and killing those they are closest to. The zeal of ambition predominately persuades both characters actions in Macbeth. Lady Macbeth portrays how the forces of ambition strike her to instil a powerful drive in her husband, also how she demonstrates an overweening pride and lack of morals in order to reach a goal and lastly how ambition leads Macbeth to betray those cares about most.

Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most powerful and emotionally intense plays. Macbeth, once known for his courage and bravery is transformed into a ruthless tyrant. His wife, Lady Macbeth, once known for her strength and great ambition is soon engulfed by guilt and sensitivity greatly weakens her. As the tragic hero Macbeth is overcome by tensions in his criminal act and the reactions by his conscience (Nix).