Macbeth Power And Ambition Essay

Macbeth explores the themes of power and ambition. From the beginning, we see Macbeth as a loyal soldier and a brave warrior, who is respected and admired by all. However, his ambition to become king pushes him toward committing wicked acts that destroy his reputation. Strong ambition for power which can cause a lot of misjudgment on stuff like one with too much power will see past one's judgment and perception. Ones with too much power look past their emotions and seek too much that they can't handle.

The first step in Macbeth's journey toward power is the murder of King Duncan. Although is initially hesitant to carry out the deed, his ambition and Lady Macbeth's encouragement drive him to commit the act, Macbeth’s lust for power drives

He becomes paranoid, sees enemies everywhere, and becomes increasingly suspicious and isolated. Even his relationship with Lady Macbeth starts to deteriorate over time as he begins to be consumed by his own ambition.

The opening scene foreshadows the destructive force of Macbeth's ambition when the three witches tell him about his rise to power. The witches' prophecy deeply affected Macbeth and set him on a path toward the throne. (1.2) Macbeth tells his wife, Lady Macbeth, that he desires power, “I have no spur to prick the side of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th’ other.” And we start to see how Macbeth's ambition is taking hold of him, as he admits that he has no good reason for his action, other than his desire to be king.

Macbeth's ambition leaves him to kill King Duncan, his own kinsman, and seize the throne himself. Before the act is over Macbeth debates with himself, saying, “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle towards my hand? Come, let me clutch thee still”(2.1). Macbeth is torn between his ambition, but his desire for power overrides his moral compass, and he kills the