How the Ambitions of Macbeth and Commodus Leads to their Inevitable Downfalls Ambition, “a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work” (Google). The characters of Macbeth and Commodus within William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth and Ridley Scott’s movie Gladiator, both display ambition in its worst form. Macbeth and Commodus shared a very similar route to power after being swallowed by ambition; both characters gained their seat on the throne through deception, family, and murder.
Firstly, One tool used by both characters was their different ways of deceiving their peers to get what they want. Macbeth’s first act of deception was much like Commodus’; they both killed the King of their respective countries to try and take the crown for themselves. Macbeth allows the King to sleep and feast at his house so that he may have a chance to kill him in his sleep. Macbeth explains to Lady Macbeth “False face must hide what the false heart doth know” when planning out the murder of King Duncan (1.7.82). The quote shows Macbeth’s deceiving nature because Macbeth explains how he must present himself as a good person with good intentions when the
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Commodus’ abilities let his family down and instead of him being the smart one in the family, his sister Lucilla took on that role. Lucilla helped Commodus on his path to the throne. Lucilla tells Commodus when talking about Maximus: “The mob is fickle, brother. He 'll be forgotten in a month” (Gladiator). The quote shows Lucilla’s witty personality, saying that Commodus should not worry about Maximus because he will be forgotten after a month. Surprisingly, Lucilla’s story arc takes a massive swing as she starts to realize Commodus’ fickle nature, she then takes Maximus’ side to overthrow her