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Ambition In Macbeth Essay

482 Words2 Pages

The infamous Shakespearen play, Macbeth, relies heavily on the symbolism of regret and ambition throughout the play. Both playing key roles in the actions taken by the characters. Macbeth is a play about a Kingdom in Scotland, ruled by King Duncan. Macbeth was a trusted general for Duncan, who had clear ambitions of becoming King. After meeting witches, their prophecy becomes his sole ambition, to become King. As Duncan takes a royal visit to Macbeth's castle, Macbeth, heavily persuaded by his wife, kills Duncan. Macbeth becomes the new King and begins to eliminate all whom oppose him. Eventually being slain by Macduff, one of Duncan's loyal companions. Symbolism is a key element to Shakespeare's play and holds many truths to his play. Symbolism had many instances such as: ambition portrayed through violence and greed, regret symbolized by sickness, fate symbolized by the witches' prophecy and more. …show more content…

Macbeth's ambition to become King, and Lady Macbeth convincing him to do so. As the play escalates, Macbeth's ambition amasses. So much so that he orders to kill Banquo and his son, after the witches' prophecy of Fleance becoming King one day. Macbeth once more filled with ambition, takes aim at Macduff, massacring his wife and children and leaving him. Ambition is a key part of the play as it gives motive to characters irrational decisions. Explaining why one such character acted out. Ambition is used to show the corruption of power and the never ending seek for more of it. It is symbolized by violence which is constantly occuring as Macbeth is continually

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