Milk Of Ambition In Macbeth

Tainted Crown is inspired by my most renowned creation, The Humument – a collection of blackout poetry, which comprises of isolated words and short phrases from an existing text, surrounded by visual elements to convey a hidden meaning. The Globe Theatre has cordially invited me to create a blackout poem using an extract from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to be put exhibition. Derived from Act I, Scene 5, this piece aims to provide insight into the key ideas of ambition and fate, which are prominent throughout the play.

The isolated text of the extract creates a short poem: milk of ambition, wrongly win pour my fate and crown

This essentially consolidates the idea of how Macbeth’s ambition and greed is fueling him to play foully in order to fulfill

She is revealed as an embodiment of gluttony, as supported by the colour of her dark green robes, which denote greed and ambition. Lady Macbeth views benevolence as a weakness, and this is exemplified by the metaphor that Macbeth is too full of the “milk of human kindness” (1:5:16) to do what is needed to claim the throne. This natural compassionate characteristic is contrasted with the phrase “milk of ambition”, implying innate greed, which Lady Macbeth favours. Shakespeare’s idea of the manifestation of unchecked ambition inspired me to depict Lady Macbeth holding a chalice, symbolising her influence over Macbeth’s aspirations and his actions. This is emphasised by her long, pointed red nails, as the colour represents power and desire, and the sharp edges depict strength and presence. The liquid imagery of blood spilling from the chalice signifies Duncan’s blood, as it is viewed as the “milk of ambition” that will allow Macbeth to claim the throne. The paradox of ‘fair is foul’ is also represented by the chalice, which is considered a sacred vessel in Christian ceremonies, filled with wine to symbolise the blood of Christ. However, this is juxtaposed with the ‘poisoned’ blood of Duncan, whom Macbeth must conquer to satisfy his ambition. Moreover, gold is a royal and prestigious colour, yet the golden chalice that Lady Macbeth holds is

This idea of ‘false’ fate is conveyed through the artwork, as the three black jewels on the crown represent the Witches, and how it is tainted with Duncan’s death, as black is a colour associated with darkness, death, and witchcraft. Similarly, the gold of the crown is comparable to the chalice, exemplifying the connection between the two objects, as Macbeth’s title as king stems from Duncan’s demise. The visual text, “milk of ambition”, is figurative of Duncan’s blood, which is pictured spilling from the chalice, transforming into a golden liquid, and forming a crown. A crown is symbol for royalty and honour, which once again demonstrates the paradox of ‘fair is foul’, as it is directly contrasted to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, highlighting their immoral deeds. The intense red of the blood and crown represents power – Duncan’s power as king, which is poured into the crown. It is implied that Macbeth does not receive the crown fairly, as he “wrongly win[s]” the title through regicide rather than