Blinding Ambition
The solar eclipse is fascinating and draws attention, yet it gives off rays that are blinding. Ambitions have the same effect on an individual, as they become blinded by their fascinations and desires and lose sight of reality. In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, characters that pursue harmful ambitions and suffer from consequences. Three witches foretell that Macbeth will become king. At first, he is a loyal and courageous Thane for Duncan; however, he becomes deceitful once he decides to kill the king. He becomes blinded by the prophecy and persuasion by his wife, Lady Macbeth. As a result, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth act accordingly to gain and maintain power. Throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare proves unchecked ambitions are not worth seeking as they can cause an individual to sacrifice themselves and their morals.
Macbeth attempts to immorally control his own fate by ignoring his conscience to pursue his ambition. Before Macbeth murders King Duncan, he contemplates if he should commit the evil deed that will come with consequences. He stresses,
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague th ' inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice
To our own lips. He’s here in double trust:
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself (1.7 9-17).
Macbeth establishes his relationship with the