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Ambition In Macbeth

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Ambition is not the driving factor of the play, Macbeth’s fear is.

William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth is a tragic story that centres around the character Macbeth and his descent into madness and despair. While many people infer that ambition is the driving force behind Macbeth’s malicious actions; his fear is essentially what leads to his demise. Macbeth’s fear of being perceived as weak and cowardly, his fear of losing power, and his fear of facing the consequences of his actions are all key factors towards how the play concluded. Thus, Macbeth’s aspirations is not what compels him to make his malevolent actions but it is his fear.

The play Macbeth portrays Macbeth’s “tyranny” to be a result of his fright of being deemed feeble, so in …show more content…

Macbeth is revered by many for his “valiant” efforts and even recognised as “Bellona’s bridegroom,” God of war. As a result of this constant appraisal, Macbeth becomes preoccupied with proving his strength and masculinity. He fears that he would be seen as inferior or weak if he does not maintain “field” status. In act 1 scene 5 Macbeth is awarded as the new “Thane of Cawdor” and dressed in “borrowed robes”. This situation surprises Macbeth at first as he was not quite sure of the authenticity of the witch’s “prophecies”. However this surprise dies off quickly and he realises that “chance may crown” him “without [his own] stir”. This soliloquy which occurs in the play foreshadows Macbeth’s immoral act which went against the great chain of being. Furthermore, Shakespeare presents Macbeth as being satisfied with being “honoured” by King Duncan and the “golden opinions” his guests gave him. However, Lady Macbeth is too enticed by the future title of “queen” so to ensure that Macbeth is successful in becoming “king” she attacks his manhood; calling him a “coward” and describing him as a …show more content…

Throughout the play Macbeth can be seen making regretful decisions that he tries to cover up by making another questionable choice. Shakespeare demonstrates this idea through the murder of Duncan. Macbeth tries covering up his murder by framing the guards, using “their very daggers” to do the deed. However, framing the innocent guards was not enough as they could still pose a threat to Macbeth; so he killed them and covered “their hands and faces…with blood”. He justifies his killing by stating that his “fury” got the best of him and he had to revenge Duncan as he harboured “violent love” for him. Macbeth’s constant killing scares Donalbain and Malcolm making them believe that they were next so they flee Scotland. This however works in favour for Macbeth and he names them as the real killers of Duncan, clearing most of the suspicions off his name. Additionally, the playwright portrays Macbeth being wary of Banquo as he is the only person besides Lady Macbeth to know about the “prophetic greetings” and he has his own prophecy that compromises his kingship. To limit the guilt of killing Banquo, Macbeth lies to assassins telling them that he is responsible for their downfall and ruination. He does this to give them some personal interest in committing the deed. Macbeth orders assassins to do it instead of himself because he is afraid of facing Banquo

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