Examples Of Ambition In Macbeth

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Power and ambition go hand in hand. The catch is the intention behind the two. The idea of power might scare some or give others strength. The thought of power is determined by one's ambition and can showcase one's true colors. In the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare a significant amount of tragedies unfold. Shakespeare demonstrates how one always wants more and the temptations of the world. Macbeth, the main character in the beginning transforms from a valiant war hero to a murderous man. Finally, he becomes a tyrant king who wants more power. Macbeth is ultimately responsible for all the tragedies due to his desire of power and excessive selfish ambition.
Aspirations for power causes Macbeth to become greedy for his future. The …show more content…

Macbeth at first understands he needs to kill Duncan to be king. After one kills, he is not able to stop. He considers and then decides to kill all of Macduff's family due to the first apparition. Macduff, a nobleman who goes behind Macbeth's back to receive help from England to overthrow the tyranny king Macbeth. Macbeth agrees on what he needs to do and reveals, “The castle of Macduff I will surprise,/ Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword/ His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls/… This deed I’ll do before this purpose cool” (4.1.172-175). Macbeth’s selfish ambition takes control of him and leads him down a dark path. His selfishness led him to murder a whole innocent family in cold blood. This is all to spite an enemy of his. Macbeth’s selfishness is also seen within his own family. In the beginning Macbeth was fond of his beloved wife, now he hardly even flinches at the word of her death. His apathy is present when talking about the lost, “She should have died hereafter./ There would have been a time for such a word./ Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow/ Creeps in this petty pace from day to day/… And all our yesterdays have lighted fools/ The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle” (5.5.20-26). The events have turned Macbeth to stone. He has very little feeling left and the only thing that does break through the stone is his selfishness. Any normal

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