How Is the Theme of Ambition Explained in Macbeth
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- Category: English: Shakespeare
- Date Submitted: 11/27/2013 01:03 AM
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How is the theme of ambition explained in Macbeth?
Macbeth initially becomes ambition when the three witches prophesise that he will be king. In act one, scene three he meets the sister after celebrating his victorious battle. He discusses the death of Duncan “whose murder is yet fantastical”. This use of soliloquy foreshadows the event that will follow. The use of the word “yet” tells us that he intends to carry out this deed. His ambition has clearly been awakened by the prediction and so he plots to take what he thinks is his.
Macbeth ambition wavers at the thought of killing Duncan because that is not what he desires to do. In act one, scene seven Lady Macbeth is pressuring Macbeth to kill Duncan by the thought of being a coward, he says “we will proceed no further in this business. He hath honoured me late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people”. The use of the metaphor “golden opinion” show that she thinks people think highly of him and care what he thinks. Macbeth’s ambition has been wavered by his loyal nature that is making him question whether he should end the life of Duncan or not.
Lady Macbeth ambition for power and control forces her to pressure Macbeth into committing an unfaithful crime towards Duncan and hiding her deadly intentions behind welcoming looks. In act one, scene seven Lady Macbeth says “but screw your courage to the sticking-place”. This quote displays the main reason for killing Duncan was to prove lady accusation wrong. Macbeth’s ambition has been encouraged by lady Macbeths want for power and she successfully persuades Macbeth to end Duncan’s life and the more involved he got the quicker lady Macbeth would disappear from the situation.
After Macbeth’s first ambitious act he starts to become suspicious about the family and friends that surround him and he hallucinates about seeing a blood-stained dagger. In act three, scene two Macbeth is discussing the assassination of Banquo with his servant, “cancel and...
Macbeth initially becomes ambition when the three witches prophesise that he will be king. In act one, scene three he meets the sister after celebrating his victorious battle. He discusses the death of Duncan “whose murder is yet fantastical”. This use of soliloquy foreshadows the event that will follow. The use of the word “yet” tells us that he intends to carry out this deed. His ambition has clearly been awakened by the prediction and so he plots to take what he thinks is his.
Macbeth ambition wavers at the thought of killing Duncan because that is not what he desires to do. In act one, scene seven Lady Macbeth is pressuring Macbeth to kill Duncan by the thought of being a coward, he says “we will proceed no further in this business. He hath honoured me late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people”. The use of the metaphor “golden opinion” show that she thinks people think highly of him and care what he thinks. Macbeth’s ambition has been wavered by his loyal nature that is making him question whether he should end the life of Duncan or not.
Lady Macbeth ambition for power and control forces her to pressure Macbeth into committing an unfaithful crime towards Duncan and hiding her deadly intentions behind welcoming looks. In act one, scene seven Lady Macbeth says “but screw your courage to the sticking-place”. This quote displays the main reason for killing Duncan was to prove lady accusation wrong. Macbeth’s ambition has been encouraged by lady Macbeths want for power and she successfully persuades Macbeth to end Duncan’s life and the more involved he got the quicker lady Macbeth would disappear from the situation.
After Macbeth’s first ambitious act he starts to become suspicious about the family and friends that surround him and he hallucinates about seeing a blood-stained dagger. In act three, scene two Macbeth is discussing the assassination of Banquo with his servant, “cancel and...