Ambition Is Dangerous In Macbeth

According to Eric Maisel, “Ambition is vital, but dangerous: it is a keen motive and a driving force, but over what edge can it drive the artist?” This quote expresses the idea that ambition drives people into following their dreams or pursuits but it could also be a dangerous weapon. The Tragedy of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, tells a story about a once humble man who turned into a tyrant because of his ambition. Shakespeare demonstrates this theme by showing a humble man descending into a tyrant on a monstrous quest for power. In the end, this shows that too much ambition could lead to the downfall of a person who misuses it. Macbeth's monstrous quest begins with a prophecy told by three weird sisters. These prophecies were that Macbeth would become the Thane of Glamis but also the new Thane of Cawdor. Ordinarily, Macbeth and his friend, Banquo, were skeptical but later were then told something shocking. As the prophecy said, Macbeth became the New Thane of Cawdor which makes his interest grow even further. The witches continued talking and mentioned that he would also become the new king of Scotland. Macbeth says that "Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my

This led to him murdering King Duncan since he learned that Duncan's sons were next in line for the title. At first, Macbeth wasn't intending to kill him but his wife persuaded him to move onward. Thanks to his wife, Macbeth reluctantly kills Duncan despite his overall good character. Despite his ambition, Macbeth says that “I'll go no more: I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on't again I dare not.” (Mac. 2.2.65-67) The quote shows the audience that Macbeth still had some conscience and he still feels the pain of committing such horrible acts. As a result, the evidence proves that ambition can make anyone work against themselves to a point where even the host ends up regretting their