How Is Macbeth's Influence On Ambition And Ambition

Basant Salem
Veronica Miles
ENG4U
January 28, 2023
Navigating the Fine Line: The Power of Influence on Loyalty and Ambition
Picture a world where ambition and loyalty are in opposition, and where the influence of others continuously puts one's sense of commitment and duty to the test. A fine balance must be struck between upholding one's own values and caving into other people's desires in this society where the ability to influence people can be both a blessing and a curse. All of this suggests that the power of influence from others can challenge a person's loyalty, leading to conflicting ambition, which one must navigate properly in order to succeed in this complex and ever-changing world. Ultimately, it requires a strong sense of self and

At the beginning of the play, Macbeth, the witches' prediction that Macbeth will become king greatly influences him because he concentrates on fulfilling the prophecy. The witches’ prophecy finally compels him to murder in order to claim the throne because greed and a desire for power motivate him to do so. This can be seen during Macbeth’s soliloquy when he states, "I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself / And falls on the other" (Shakespeare 1.7.25). Here, Macbeth considers how the witches' prophecy have fueled his ambition to become king. He claims that he is no longer driven by any feeling of loyalty or honour, but simply by his own ambition, which he knows may lead to his downfall, but he is unable to stop it. This quote illustrates how Macbeth's desire was affected by the witches' predictions and how it eventually overcame him. Later, Lady Macbeth persuades her husband, Macbeth, to kill King Duncan. By using his desire for power, she is able to manipulate and persuade him to commit the murder of King Duncan. Additionally, when she convinces Macbeth to consider the murderous deed, and he hesitates, she uses

Macbeth is torn between his loyalty to the king and his own ambition; he ultimately chooses to betray King Duncan by killing him in order to secure his own power and fulfill the prophecy. In the play, Macbeth claims, "He's here in double trust — / First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, / Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, / Who should against his murderer shut the door, / Not bear the knife myself" (Shakespeare 1.7.12). In this soliloquy, Macbeth talks about how the king trusts him in two ways; the king trusts Macbeth as his relative and as his subject. Since the king trusts Macbeth enough to stay at his home over night, Macbeth states that it is a good reason he should not commit the murder. Here, Macbeth struggles with his desire to be king and his loyalty to the current king, Duncan. He recognizes that his ambition causes him to be torn between his duty and his desire. After Macbeth kills King Duncan, he starts to feel guilty and distances himself from his wife, Lady Macbeth, who had been the one pushing him to commit the murder. His loyalty to her is put in question as he starts to doubt her role in his actions. Eventually, Macbeth chooses to ignore her advice, which leads to their downfall. He says, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather / The multitudinous seas