Lady Macbeth's Ambition Essay

The Destructive Force of Human Ambition In Shakespearean time and within his plays, ambition was viewed as a downfall in character and a defiance to human nature. In today’s world, ambition is viewed as a respectable attribute in both males and females. Yet, In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, the destructive force of ambition transcends time. Although centuries apart, Macbeth, a noble who wants to seize the position of King, and Tonya Harding, a figure skater who wants to win an Olympic gold, are two examples of ambition, its misuses and consequences.

Ambition plays an important role in the everyday life, it drives the humankind to have a desire to achieve one’s goal. All things considered ambition has both positive and negative qualities depending how it is achieved, which can lead to one’s success or one’s downfall. When selfishness plays a role in ambition, it can cause wrongful acts to take place, for instance, a literary example of ambition is displayed in the play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare. The play mentions how the protagonist is portrayed as the tragic hero named Macbeth, a noble general of Scotland who is admired by many for his bravery, was encountered by three witches who told Macbeth he was going to be the Thane of Cawdor and abolish any threats in his way to become the king of Scotland, creating him to become anxious to discover more about his destiny. Macbeth’s eagerness leads him to attempt to fulfill the three prophecies by murdering for the kingship.

Throughout William Shakespeare 's Macbeth many of the characters show ambition for the things that they do. Normally being ambitious would be a good quality but in Macbeth it’s a quality you don 't want to have. The main characters Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, and Macduff have ambition to commit crimes. After the crimes were committed blood was visible as a reminder to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as the things that they 've done. In William Shakespeare 's Macbeth, the theme of ambition is developed through the motif of blood as seen in the assassination of King Duncan, the murder of Banquo, and Macduff killing Macbeth.

Everyone had that moment where they desire to do or achieve something. However, one can either choose to accept the challenge and take on their ambition head on or disregard it. In the play Macbeth, ambition is one of the major themes that keep the story alive and going. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth vicious desire to become king and queen keeps the audience on their feet, waiting for their next moves. Ambition can also be used as a weapon as we see in Macbeth by the witches.

“A man with too much ambition cannot sleep in peace” as stated by Maxx Mitchell. This statement describes that the people will have some trade off in order to pursue something they have, to give up on something. However, the goal is really the choice It could lead to different consequences either positive or negative. Shakespeare 's play Macbeth is described as a tragic character and his action has been influenced by his wife. Shakespeare believes that ambition, when taken too far leads to our destruction as shown through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

EPIDEMIC: Power-hungry Consumed by the Disease that is Ambition Unbridled ambition coupled with a thirst for power is known to have adverse affects for both the host and society. Amy Quinn explores the effect of this sickness on major characters within Shakespeare ’s play Macbeth and how two film adaptations strived to elucidate the intended message to modern audiences. Ambition can be likened to a disease. A disease that is beneficial in the early stages of its development but becomes insatiable once it takes hold of the host.

Macbeth, a conflicted character, changes throughout The Tragedy of Macbeth. The challenge of wanting the title of King of Scotland lives within Macbeth. This caused him to make irrational decisions that eventually lead to his downfall. Deserving respect, craving power, and staying determined are qualities that Macbeth possesses and cycles through during the play. At the start of the play, Macbeth was known as a respectable and honest soldier.

Shakespeare suggests that ambition overwrites our integrity and humanity through Macbeth. One may feel guilty for lacking integrity after pursuing ambition with cruel intentions. Through our groups reinterpretation of “Out Damned Spot” scene we choose to set in school where classmates must choose popularity before friends and cruelty.

A play that I have studied which explores the important theme of ambition is Macbeth, a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The Thane of Glamis receives prophecies from three witches, which Macbeth tells. However, the king must be killed for these prophecies to be fulfilled. Shakespeare uses characterisation and soliloquies to help us understand this theme. We are shown how ambition affects Scotland as a whole – we see how Shakespeare demonstrates how this can deeply affect characters and relationships between both couples and friends.

According to Heath Ledger, “Madness, as you know, is a lot like gravity, all it takes is a little push.”. When we were kids, we were taught to follow the path of good to gain power, but what will happen if you become tempted and start down the path of evil? The answer is simple, you will be driven into madness. If you let power get to your head, it will eventually drive you mad.