Ambition in Macbeth

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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’s hunger for supremacy, his acknowledgement of his crimes, and by further disturbance in the human order and divine order.

As king, Macbeth’s desire for power becomes more evident. He begins to risk anything for his greed. Willing to cast aside the life of his friend Banquo for his personal gain, Macbeth consorts with murderers. Macbeth has thought ahead to Banquo’s prophecies, particularly the one that states that Banquo “shalt get kings” (I, iii, 67). His adverse attitude toward the thought of someone else taking the throne has distorted his sense of morality. Furthermore, after having Ba...

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