Negative Effects Of Ambition In Macbeth

Ambition is a powerful force and is a common motif. While ambition does positively benefit the wielder by giving them the necessary will and motivation to pursue after their goals and dreams, it can also harm those around the person. In doing so, the person themselves is also harmed. In Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, it is clearly shown how ambition’s negative impact on others plays into the harm it beings on the wielder. In the beginning, Macbeth is described as being a strong, brave soldier in battle who has devoted his upmost loyalty to the king. This has earned him lots of praise and admiration from others, even the king. However, upon having enough ambition, Macbeth began to care less for others and only himself. The first instance of such occurring was when Lady Macbeth and Macbeth were going to murder Duncan. Macbeth was aware of how others seen him and how he had “Golden opinions from all sorts of people” (I. vii). Despite this, he proceeds with the murdering of Duncan to become king without care for how other people may react upon finding the king

This action negatively impacts him due to the developed hatred the other characters gain towards Macbeth. His ambition has led to not just the death of Duncan and Banquo but also many others such as the Duncan’s chambermaid and Macduff’s family. This slaughter ruins Macbeth’s original image of a brave, valiant, worthy gentleman to the point that others begin to address him as tyrant. Young Siward, when Macbeth told him his name, stated that “The devil himself could not pronounce a title more hateful to mine ear.” (V. vii). This quote only further emphasizes the fact that Macbeth’s name has turned from one of bravery, as shown by the Sergent (I. ii), to one of disgrace and has been condemned. Macbeth’s ambition to become king and remain king has destroyed his reputation and name, resulting with the military coup led by