The Role of Ambition in Macbeth - 605 Words

The role of ambition in Macbeth The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare recounts Macbeths meteoric rise as a soldier and promising future leader whose megalomaniacal ambition led to his tragic downfall. In addition to Macbeths ambitions, which initially enable him to be strong leader and soldier, he is influenced heavily by his wife, Lady Macbeth, and the three witches that prophesize his ascent to the throne, as well as warn him of his eventual demise. It can be argued that it is Macbeths ambition that allows him to succeed in his endeavors, however the goals to which he is working toward influence the results of his hard work. Macbeths ambitions help him to become a war hero, and as his goals change, his ambitions drive him to become a tyrannical villain. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo, Macbeths friend and a sergeant in King Duncans army, are hailed as heroes in helping to defeat Macdonwald who led the allied forces of Norway and Ireland against Scotland. Th e Sergeant exalts Macbeths prowess and states, For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name-- Disdaining fortune, with his brandishd steel, Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valours minion carved out his passage Till he faced the slave; Which neer shook hands, nor bade farewell to him, Till he unseamd him from the nave to the chaps, And fixd his head upon our battlements. (Shakespeare, n.d., 1.2.35-42) The Sergeant continues to describe the duos valor, AsShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Ambition In Macbeth1208 Words   |  5 PagesMacbeth is a Shakespearean play which shows how ambition drives a person’s life and how people are constantly driven by uncontrolled ambition to better their lives. In the play, regardless of Lady Macbeth and the witches, Macbeth is responsible for his own downfall. He is driven by ambition to be viewed as a better man in the country and to be in control of his own fate. Uncontrolled ambition can easily turn into insanity; plans should be led through intelligence and maturity in order to achieveRead MoreRole of Ambition in Macbeth Essay1098 Words   |  5 PagesThe play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare is based upon old Scotland and this is used as the general time frame. During this time, Monarchy still existed and Scotland is in war with Whales. There are many emotions that arise throughout the play, but the most important of all is ambition. â€Å"Ambition is the desire for personal achievement. Ambitious persons seek to be the best at what they choose to do for attainment, power, or superiority† (â€Å"Ambition†). The motif of ambition in the play is thatRead MoreShakespeare‚Äà ´s ‚Äà ²Macbeth‚Äà ´ Is a Warning Against the Dangers of Ambition.1112 Words   |  5 PagesAmbition plays a major role in Shakespeare’s tragedy of Macbeth, and is presented as a dangerous quality that principally influences the characters to do wrong. 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Because of their over-reaching ambition, they commit numerous murders to obtain their goal of becoming royalty. In order to cope with the guilt, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth undergo a role reversal, where they exchange characters and amount of ambition. In the beginningRead MoreEssay about Macbeths ambition907 Words   |  4 PagesAn 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 ones 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 MacbethRead MoreLady Macbeth Character Analysis768 Words   |  4 PagesIn the play Macbeth, the character Lady Macbeth has changed throughout Act I and Act V tremendously. 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To create such a tragic, ill-fatedRead MoreAnalysis Of My Last Duchess By Robert Browning And A Woman s Lover 1712 Words   |  7 PagesThis analysis will look at how major themes such as, ambition, supernatural, reality and appearance, played a role in the way events occurred and how they have affected the marriage between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. This analysis would also study how the author, William Shakespeare, portrayed these themes using language and historical context to affect the opinions of the audience’s perception of the two characters. As Shakespeare’s Macbeth had been written in the past, it would be of great contrast