Macbeth Ambition Essay - 851 Words

Ambition Par Chanel Pfahl Prà ©sentà © à   Mme Bertrand EAE3U École secondaire publique Louis-Riel Le mercredi 6 janvier 2010 The determination to achieve and ambition are keys to a successful life. However, one of Shakespeare’s major themes in his play Macbeth is too much ambition ultimately brings ruin. When ambition goes unchecked, there is corruption of natural order. This theme of ambition can best be explained by analyzing the motives of Lady Macbeth, the witches, as well as Macbeth. To begin, Lady Macbeth is a deeply ambitious woman who lusts for power. She is the one who initially spurs her husband into killing Duncan. As soon as she learns about the witches prophecies and spies the opportunity for her husband to become†¦show more content†¦Therefore, he assumed that the prophecy that stated he would be crowned King of Scotland would also come true, for the simple reason that it was what he wanted to hear. When he became king, the witches brainwashed him about him not having to fear anyone born from a woman, and to fear MacDuff, etc. With the knowledge he thought he had, he thought he was completely invincible. The way things worked out is ironic because nobody knows if the witches actually had great knowledge, or it may just be reinforcing that anything is possible if you believe in it. Macbeth is not naturally inclined to commit evil deeds; he does somewhat lust for power and advancement as well as his wife. Thus, it is this characteristic of the couple that brings them down a dangerous path. Macbeth is never satisfied because his desire for power expands and he becomes unaware of when to stop. After Duncan’s murder, his situation gets even worse; it’s a point of no return. Macbeth realizes there is more trouble ahead (â€Å"We have scorched the snake, not kill’d it† III, ii). Therefore, to try to avoid even worse potential problems, he must kill again, enthralling him to a vicious and corrupt circle of regret and trouble. In relevance to the modern world, the comparison of the Macbeths’ to a company’s excessively ambitious CEO is a way to prove Shakespeare’s point. Someone with unrealistic goals can attempt making his or her company wealthier by buying another big company, but in theShow MoreRelatedEssay on Ambitio n in Macbeth734 Words   |  3 Pages 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. 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