Destruction In Macbeth

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How far can the lusting of power drive one innocent man? William Shakespeare composed a classic drama entitled “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, which took place in Scotland. Throughout the play, Macbeth attempted to gain power by becoming king. Although he succeeded, the process definitely led him down a path of destruction. Ambition highly influenced many of the characters: Macbeth was willing to do anything to get to the throne, Lady Macbeth was even more eager to become queen, and finally Macduff abandoned his family for Scotland. Ambition is a pro-dominant theme throughout this adventurous drama. To begin with, Macbeth was a brave and well-respected nobleman of Scotland but once he heard the witches’ prophecy, his ambition intensified. He was …show more content…

He deserted his family and fled to England to assist Malcolm. When he reached Malcolm, he declared, “O nation miserable, with an untitled tyrant bloody-sceptered, when shalt thou see thy wholesome days again.” (Act II, scn iii, ln 103-106) This quote means, the nation was being ruled by the murderous tyrant, Macbeth, and Macduff only wished to see peaceful days again. More evidence of his ambition is shown through “Come, go we to the king. Our power is ready; our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth is ripe for shaking, and the powers above put on their instruments.” (Act iv, scn iii, ln 243-246) Macduff was certain that Macbeth would be destroyed and Malcolm would become King of Scotland. As Macbeth’s leadership demolished more lives, Macduff’s ambition to take down Macbeth grew stronger. Ultimately, this authentic evidence clearly demonstrates the ambition of the characters. Macbeth showed his determination through his pretension to be crowned king of Scotland. Lady Macbeth’s ambition was revealed through her strong desire for power and control. Macduff’s motive for Malcolm to become king was demonstrated through his battle with Macbeth. Overall, the characters in The Tragedy of Macbeth did whatever it took to reach their goals and even went to the extremes of killing to fulfill their