Ambition In Macbeth

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Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, which tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman who lets his ambition lead him to attempt taking power in 11th century Scotland. After being told prophesies by three witches and encouraged to act on them by Lady Macbeth, he murders the then-king Duncan and takes the throne for himself. However, due to his greater ambition continuing with each defeat, this creates an unstoppable cycle that leaves Macbeth's own downfall at the hands of other ambitious people contending for control over Scotland aswell.

Overcome by guilt and fear in his attempt at taking absolute power, Macbeth spirals out plot after plot trying desperately to ensure that there will be no one left standing between him …show more content…

He kills old friends like Banquo without hesitation or mercy. murders supported by murderous plans are a constant theme throughout the story in order to achieve leadership over others while at the same time struggling against internal forces. Mental torments rooted in horrible actions previously taken which could never be erased due to shame Macbeth himself noticed that had replaced any worth or honor he once had since given these troubles into his own hands. ”We can’t go on with this plan. The king has just honored me, and I have earned the good opinion of all …show more content…

Lady Macbeth begins her power struggle by pushing her husband’s hand towards murder early on within the story. In act 1 scene 7 she demands that he isnt a man until he executes the deed, showing her ongoing trend of being manipulitive: If you weren’t a man, then what kind of animal were you when you first told me you wanted to do this? When you dared to do it, that’s when you were a man.”
(Act 1, scene 7)
She often uses extreme language trying to control and manipulate him such as
“I know how sweet it is to love the baby at my breast. But even as the baby was smiling up at me, I would have plucked my nipple out of its mouth and smashed its brains out against a wall if I had sworn to do that the same way you have sworn to do this.”
(act 1, scene

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