Macbeth Ambition - 809 Words

English Assignment – Term 3 Representations of ambition within Macbeth Within Macbeth, there are numerous representations of human values and conflicts, including duty vs. desire, the effects of a guilty conscience on the human journey and the differences between genders, and the superiority of men within the play, and the modern era. The value foregrounded throughout this text is the representations of ambition within the play Macbeth, and we will be focusing on the protagonist of the story, ironically named Macbeth. The effect of ambition can be a double-edged sword. Ambition can provide a person with desire, so that they can accomplish goals, and give them a kick-start towards them. On the other hand, however, ambition can†¦show more content†¦Once he murders the King Duncan, he knows that he must prolong his undeserved spot as King, as the repercussions will be that of the actions that he have committed. This is due to the Chain of Being, which he has distinctly broken. Once this hypothetical chain is broken, which by the way, represents the natural order, the universe will be plundered into chaos, and ‘righting the wrong’ will retain the natural order. Throughout the ending of the play, when Duncan’s sons plot to overthrow Macbeth, he accepts his fate, and the apparitions stated by the three witches during their second meeting with Macbeth come to fruition. He knows of his imminent downfall, and within his final moments of life, he accepts defeat. ‘I will not yield to kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet, and to be baited with the rabble’s curse. Though Birnam Wood be come to Dunsinane, and thou opposed, being of no woman born, yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff; and damned be him that first cries, ‘Hold, enough!’ This scene marks the promised demise of Macbeth, and good once again conquering evil. His ambitions overall lead to his demise, and if he had either followed his orders from the King, who is a higher being on the ‘Chain of Being’, or gained the royal, majestic position through an accepted process, then his death would not have been sentenced andShow MoreRelatedAmbition in Macbeth1062 Words   |  5 PagesAmbition is often the driving force in one’s life. It can have an extremely dominant impact on not only yourself, but also many people in your surroundings. You have the ability to control if the outcomes either have a lasting negative or positive effect. When a goal requires determination and hard work to complete, personal morals often take a back seat to the aspiration of accomplishing the goal. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it is clear that like many other great leaders, Macbeth exemplifies the necessaryRead MoreMacbeth Ambition Quotes629 Words   |  3 PagesMacbeth Ambition Quotes Quote #1MACBETH   â€Å"My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man that function Is smotherd in surmise, and nothing is But what is not.† (1.3.9) | After the weird sisters predict that Macbeth will be king, his thoughts turn to murder, which the sisters have said  nothing about. Could it be that the witches prophesy awakens within Macbeth a murderous ambition that was there all along? Quote #2MACBETH   [Aside]† The Prince of CumberlandRead MoreMacbeth Ambition Essay851 Words   |  4 PagesAmbition Par Chanel Pfahl Prà ©sentà © à   Mme Bertrand EAE3U École secondaire publique Louis-Riel Le mercredi 6 janvier 2010 The determination to achieve and ambition are keys to a successful life. However, one of Shakespeare’s major themes in his play Macbeth is too much ambition ultimately brings ruin. When ambition goes unchecked, there is corruption of natural order. This theme of ambition can best be explained by analyzing the motives of Lady Macbeth, the witches, as well as Macbeth. Read MoreMacbeth Uncontrolled Ambition1087 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeare’s play Macbeth, Macbeth is victimized in a variety of ways due to his surroundings which purloin his real character. Lady Macbeth’s uncontrolled ambition takes a turn for the worse on Macbeth, as she pressures him to murder the king. However, it all started from the witches’ prophecies that put the thought through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s head that Macbeth could potentially become the next king. This thought expanded Lady Macbeth’s gender giving her freakish manly ambition triggering herRead MoreEssay on Ambition in Macbeth734 Words   |  3 Pages Ever since he heard the prophecies that promised him power, Macbeth’s mind has been descending into a disoriented state as times passed. In the duration of Acts 1 and 2, Macbeth, under the influence of Lady Macbeth and his own ambition, has changed from being a rational, level-headed man to one of questionable integrity. With Macbeth’s coronation, not only does his inner turmoil affect his mentality, but also his behaviour and senses. Scotland is immersed in more chaos by Macbeth’sRead MoreEssay on Ambition in Macbeth1788 Words   |  8 PagesIn the play of â€Å"Macbeth†, Shakespeare gradually and effectively deepens our understanding of the themes and most importantly the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The main theme of Macbeth is ambition, and how it compels the main characters to pursue it. The antagonists of the play are the three witches, who symbolise the theme appear ance and reality. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relation is an irony throughout the play, as most of their relation is based on greed and power. This is differentRead MoreEssay on Ambition in Shakespeares Macbeth578 Words   |  3 PagesIn Macbeth ambition plays a huge role in character devolvement. Ambition affects four of the major characters. The characters are Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Malcom, and Banquo. The sisters are the source of Ambition. It is as if they control ambition. The ambition the sisters’ control is negative ambition. Ambition is, wanting to have more then you have and wanting it now. Macbeth’s ambition is powered by the sisters. Through the sisters he learns that he is to be king, he does not know how he isRead MoreThe Downside of Ambition Explored in Macbeth 1245 Words   |  5 Pages Macbeth is a play written by Shakespeare that is set in eleventh century Scotland. It details the life of the Macbeth, a brave and noble man who is described as ‘Bellona’s bridegroom’ (1.3.54), specifically the events after he meets three supernatural creatures who tell him about his fate. The reader should see Macbeth as a great man whose ambition for security leads to his downfall. Ambitions and manipulation from his wife cause him to commit Duncan’s murder, but this particular murder does notRead MoreThe Ambition of Lady Macbeth in Macbeth by William Shakespeare894 Words   |  4 PagesThe Ambition of Lady Macbeth in Macbeth by William Shakespeare Timothy Leary once said, Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition (Peters 175). But is this true in the case of the classic play Macbeth? In Macbeth it seems to be, that Macbeth the protagonist of the play is influence by Lady Macbeths ambition. Could this be an exception or was Lady Macbeth lying when she ask to be equal to a man so she could commit the murder (1.5.33.45-61). To understand one must look deeply into theRead MoreRole of Ambition in Macbeth Essay1098 Words   |  5 PagesThe play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare is based upon old Scotland and this is used as the general time frame. During this time, Monarchy still existed and Scotland is in war with Whales. There are many emotions that arise throughout the play, but the most important of all is ambition. â€Å"Ambition is the desire for personal achievement. Ambitious persons seek to be the best at what they choose to do for attainment, power, or superiority† (â€Å"Ambition†). The moti f of ambition in the play is that