Examples Of Ambition In Macbeth

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have plenty of ambition and this could have been used to better themselves and the people around them. Instead the Macbeths used this ambition for evil and greed. When Macbeth hears his prophetic reading in Act I, scene iii, he is only thinking about himself and the ways his life will become better. Macbeth is instantly curious and begins to plot the death of King Duncan, the first murder of many that will be committed. This shows that he has no compassion or thoughts for others nor the lives that he will be taking. Both Macbeths are greedy and want what should not be theirs. When Lady Macbeth hears of these prophecies, she too is willing to go to extreme lengths to gain what is not hers. In Act I scene v, Lady

Macbeth transformed from a likeable character who was noble and helpful, into a villain, who cared only about himself. Ambition corrupted the morals and values both of the Macbeths once had. Macbeth says in Act I scene vii, "Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself / And falls on th' other". After committing the murder of King Duncan at the end of Act II scene i, the Macbeths believed they would be happier and have everything they had hoped for. This, however, was not the case. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth realize that even though they have murdered Duncan and have the kingdom, the ambitions, as well as the struggles associated with this ambition did not end, rather it became stronger and more intense than it had been previously. In Act III scene i, Macbeth says "To be thus is nothing, / But to be safely thus". This line is referring to Banquo and the prophecies the witches had given back in Act I. The Sisters told Banquo that he would not be king, however, his heirs would be someday. Frightened, the Macbeths begin to plot their next murders. If Banquo and Fleance are murdered, than Macbeth would remain in power as King and Queen of Scotland. This is the start of their murderous spree and an uncontrollable spiral into wickedness and deadly