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Ambition In Macbeth

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Among the 37 plays Willam Shakespeare has written, Macbeth is the one that captured the astounding struggle of ambition. Unyielding ambition often leads people down a perilous path, resulting in greater losses. In Macbeth’s desperate pursuit of power, he loses his lover, honour, and mental stability.

Macbeth was lucky to have a devoted wife named Lady Macbeth, who showed unconditional love and support in everything he pursued. Firstly, Macbeth was too focused on his goal to be king, and didn’t know how badly his wife was struggling mentally after all the crimes they had committed. For example, Malcolm stated, “Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen, / Who, as 'tis thought, by self and violent hands / Took off her life” (Macbeth 5.8.99-101). …show more content…

Firstly, Macbeth was ruthless and killed anyone in his way, including the people he loved. For example, in Act 3, scene 3, Macbeth ordered some men to kill his closest friend, Banquo, to secure and eliminate any threat to the throne. This shows how Macbeth was willing to kill anyone for power. Secondly, Macbeth lost many of his servants and soldiers' respect when he was king because of his rude behaviour. For instance, Macbeth stated, "You know your own degrees; sit down. At first and last, the hearty welcome" (Macbeth, 3.4.3-4). This illustrates how Macbeth shows a lack of manners to his guests, which would result in the guests losing respect. Lastly, Macbeth used his power unjustifiably making others view him as cruel. For example, Macbeth stated, "I am in blood / Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er" (Macbeth 3.4.136-138). This quote shows Macbeth’s using his power of being king to not take responsibility for the blood he has shed. Macbeth’s honour and the respect he received for defeating the traitors of Scotland got overshadowed by

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