The Idea Of Ambition In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

656 Words2 Pages

Ryan Housey
Ms. Morris
English 12- 3rd Period
5 December 2016
The Ambition of Macbeth Ambition is a driving force of humanity that shapes the ways we act as people. It changes tells people to do things they normally would not dare to. This trait has been around for millions of years and has been recognized by many authors. William Shakespeare has used ambition in several of his plays with Macbeth truly representing the very prominent trait. The idea of ambition in Macbeth is important in Lord Macbeth’s visions, Lady Macbeth’s actions, and the retaliation of Scottish leaders. Lord Macbeth’s vision of the dagger and the illusions of the witches spell display his ambitions to become and remain as the king of Scotland. Macbeth’ visions push him throughout the story to do things he had not thought of doing nor wanted to do before. Macbeth sees a “fictitious, bloody dagger”(Langis 49) edging him on to the dirty work of his ambition. This dagger symbolizes his ambition to become king by taking the life of the current king, Duncan. …show more content…

Macduff had left everything he held close behind to help get Malcolm control over Scotland. When Macduff meets with Malcolm, he says “I am not treacherous” (388) and Malcolm responds with “But Macbeth is” (389). This shows both of their ambitions and their shared disdain of Macbeth and by agreeing they soon after plan on retaking Scotland. Soon after the travel of Macduff and Malcolm began heading towards Dunsinane some of the other lords of Scotland decided “To give obedience where ‘tis truly owed.” (405). This states that most lords had a mutual hatred of Macbeth and were simply waiting for a good opportunity to act on their ambitions and reclaim Scotland. The ambitions of the Scottish leaders drove them to find Malcolm and try to get him to his rightful

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