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Theme Of Ambition And Greed In Macbeth

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Blind Ambition and Greed The play “Macbeth”, by William Shakespeare illustrates many themes through the characters from the beginning to the end of the story. But the main central theme introduced is Ambition and Greed. As the play goes on we read how Macbeth permits his Ambition and Greed to dictate the outcomes and tragedy’s that occur to himself and others. The main examples of Ambition and Greed is seen through Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff. Ambition and Greed is first introduced in the beginning of “Macbeth” when Macbeth and Banquo are greeted with three witches. The three witches present them with three prophecies, two for Macbeth, and one for Banquo. “… All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor, All hail Macbeth! Thou shalt be king hereafter” and to Banquo “… Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none” (Act 1, Scene 3). After Macbeth hears of his promotion to Thane of Cawdor, he quickly begins to believe the witches and prophecies …show more content…

Macduff went to England to find Malcolm, King Duncan’s son, who fled Scotland so he would not be killed like his father. Macbeth no longer considers Macduff loyal to him and becomes apprehensive. Macbeth consorts with the murderers again to kill Macduff’s family, “give to the edge o’ the sword his wife, babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line” (Act 4, Scene 1). When a messenger comes to deliver the news to Macduff, he becomes sad but Malcolm tells him “… Let grief convert to anger…” (Act 4, Scene 3). Macduff and Malcolm go to war against Macbeth eager for revenge. Macduff, vengeful for his family’s death cuts off Macbeths head, and Malcom takes his rightful place as king. Macbeth’s Ambition and Greed resulted in his downfall. Constantly wanting more, Macbeth allowed his blind ambition to dictate what actions he took to obtain being king and staying king. Ambition and Greed is clearly outlined in the tragedy “Macbeth” from Duncan, Banquo, and

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