Topic > Macbeth Theme: The Role of Ambition in Poetry

IndexAmbition as a central theme of Shakespeare's "Macbeth"To concludeWorks Cited:The notion of ambition as a theme of Macbeth is discussed in this essay. In the story of Macbeth it is clear that ambition is the main key to success. Ambition is the reason for Macbeth's downfall. He is offered determination by the mystical power of the witches. Lady Macbeth, his wife, then pushes with determination. After Duncan's murder, Macbeth added enough determination to bring about his own destruction. We can see a clear construction of desire throughout the work. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Ambition as a central theme of Shakespeare's "Macbeth"Macbeth first discovers his true power and determinations from the witches, who meet him three unusual titles. Thane of Glamis, of which Macbeth is fully aware. Thane of Cawdor, which is true at this point, but which Macbeth was not told about. Then there's King, which hasn't become a reality yet. It is the witches who instill the idea of ​​killing Duncan in Macbeth's mind. We must first understand that in Elizabethan times witches would have been taken very seriously. It is indicated that "certain magicians in whose words Macbeth placed great trust" (Bloom's Literature). This lets us know that Macbeth put his trust in these witches because witchcraft was part of their culture in this era. King James even wrote a book on this ideal topic. Shakespeare foreshadows Macbeth's corruption through his encounter with these three witches. His thoughts are compared to those of Banquo, whose morality apparently does not allow itself to turn evil. Banquo is skeptical of the witches and tries to warn his friend, who seems to accept what they say. Without this supernatural prophecy the thought of killing the king would never have crossed Macbeth's mind. The thought is then strengthened when Macbeth discovers that he is the Lord of Cawdor, as the witches had predicted to him. Now that Macbeth has the thought of becoming king within himself, he is still unable to kill Duncan. His morality prevents him from carrying out any such task. He is also fully aware of the destructive power of his ambitions. In Act I, scene vii, he tells us: “I have no urge to prick the flanks of my intent, but only a whirling determination, which leaps over itself and falls upon the other. (vii 25-28)”He knows that this will be his downfall. His actions are pursued only by the persuasiveness of his wife, Lady Macbeth, who is even more determined than Macbeth himself. She is so determined that she is willing to sacrifice her femininity and all human feelings for her desire for power. His wife's actions are crucial to Macbeth's downfall. She supports his decisions and abolishes his kindness. “For the bloody deeds that Macbeth must commit to secure the throne, he is condemned to remain a lawless king, consumed by a mistaken belief in false prophecies and the evil agents who deliver them (Bloom's Literature).” Once Duncan's death occurs, Macbeth is gaining even more ambition and desire for power. Lady Macbeth will soon begin to slowly drift away due to Macbeth's fall. He then becomes even more paranoid to kill Banquo and Banquo's son to prevent their lineage from ruling Scotland, and after killing Duncan, Macbeth hears a voice that condemns his action. The voice that Kenneth hears predicts his death and that of his sons Kenneth he is killed by Fanella, whose son he had ordered executed, just as Macbeth is.