Dangers Of Ambition In Macbeth

Prophecy: The plot of Macbeth is set in motion ostensibly by the prophecy of the three witches. The prophecy fans the flames of ambition within Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, serving as the primary impetus for the couple to plot the death of Duncan--and subsequently Banquo.

Ambition: Ambition plays a key factor in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s decision to kill Duncan. Macbeth possesses enough self-awareness to realize the dangers of overzealous ambition.

Betrayal: Betrayal is the most obvious theme in Macbeth. Macbeth was one of the most loyal of the king’s subjects. The king is so pleased with Macbeth that he even makes him the Thane of Cawdor without a second thought. However, betrayal is shown when Macbeth goes over-ambitious and murders his own

Fearful of implication in their father's murder, they flee Scotland, Donalbain to Ireland and Malcolm to England.

Macduff: A Nobleman of Scotland who discovers the murdered King Duncan. Suspecting Macbeth and eventually turning against him, Macduff later flees to England to join Malcolm.

The Witches: Three agents of Fate who reveal the truth to Macbeth and Banquo and who later appear to confirm the downfall and tragic destiny of the tyrannical Macbeth.

Essay:

Macbeth was a courageous and strong nobleman. He and Banquo were leaders of King Duncan's army. His personal powers and strength as a general won him the battle as described by the captain. He was courageous, brave and good nobleman who was haunted by superstition, moral cowardice and an overwhelming ambition. The three points which contribute greatly to Macbeth’s degeneration are the prophecy which was told to him by the witches, Lady Macbeth influenced and manipulated Macbeth’s judgment, and finally Macbeth’s long time ambition which drove his desire to be king. Although he was so far courageous and brave and he is seen as the hero at the beginning of the play, his sky high ambition causes his

Macbeth was one of the most loyal of the king’s subjects. The king is so pleased with Macbeth that he even makes him the Thane of Cawdor without a second thought. However, betrayal is shown when Macbeth goes over-ambitious and murders his own king, whom he had a blood relation with. This is a strong evidence that to Macbeth, the king was never really the most important thing. In olden days, the king was given the spot after god, but Macbeth killed his own king. Another evidence of betrayal is that Macbeth killed his own very good friend, Banquo, who otherwise would have been the last to die. All these ideas show that Macbeth only cared about himself and betrayed the closest to