Ambition In Shakespeare's Macbeth And The Social Network

In the play, Macbeth, there are numerous themes that can be seen in present-day entertainment. However, Shakespeare has an intricate way of displaying these themes in his pieces. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragic story that gives the visualization of a fallen hero who is taken over by greed and is utterly stopped. In Macbeth, he displays the theme of “Ambition” throughout the story as Macbeth drives for power and glory eventually leading to his beheading. The theme of “Ambition” is common in many modern movies and can create a connection with Shakespeare’s works. For example, “Ambition” is seen in the movie The Social Network. The Social Network shares a storyline that is much like Macbeth’s as both have the main character start off normal,

Aaron Sorkin uses Mark Zuckerberg as the main character, a man who is ambitious to obtain power and fame, but has yet to make an attempt. Sorkin gives Zuckerberg a best friend, Eduardo Saverin, a young man concerned with his friends and the future. Zuckerberg can be seen as the Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play through their similar ambitious personality and their need for a push. Eduardo can be seen as Macbeth’s King Duncan, as he will “give” Zuckerberg fame and power, but is eliminated in order for the “Macbeth” to gain further power. In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is seen as a devious woman who gives Macbeth the push needed and the one to do this in The Social Network is Sean Parker, a man sees potential and will assist with self benefit in mind. This appeals to the idea of ambition because the “Macbeth” is driven by ambition and so when the “Lady Macbeth” gives the push, it leads to the gain of power and eventual downfall. The Winklevoss Twins would represent Banquo, a trusted friend and brother-in-arms, because they were once with Zuckerberg, but then he left them for his own pursuits. The Winklevoss Twins could have also been the visualization of the brothers due to them being thrown away from their chance at power, however, they do not get to seek revenge. While the characters portray similar beings, the events of the movie also display