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How Does Shakespeare Present Ambition In Macbeth

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William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth is a timeless tale of madness, loyalty, and the dark side of ambition, which is just as relevant now as it was when Shakespeare wrote it in 1606. The play follows Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, as he becomes corrupted by his ambition, and studies the effects of heavy guilt on a person’s mind. From the moment the witches prophesize Macbeth’s kingship to the final battle and his execution, Macbeth undergoes a complete shift in personality, becoming evil and cruel, driven by his ambition and jealousy. The play opens on three witches, then moves to just off a battleground, where a messenger brings the Scottish King Duncan news of the war. Upon hearing of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor and the brave general Macbeth (the Thane of Glamis), Duncan decides to make Macbeth Thane of Cawdor. On their way home from the war, Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches, who greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and king, and prophesize that Banquo’s descendents will …show more content…

Banquo tells him he’ll be riding out with his son Fleance that night, and will be unable to attend. Worried about the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s sons will inherit the throne, Macbeth sends three assassins to kill Banquo and Fleance on the eve of the banquet, and while they successfully murder Banquo, his son manages to escape. When all the guests have arrived for the feast, Macbeth offers a toast, but when he returns to the table, he sees the ghost of Banquo in his seat. Macbeth reels from the sight and is driven driven mad by it, which confuses and upsets the guests, who see only an empty chair. Although Lady Macbeth tries to pass off her husband’s behavior as a mental disorder, Macbeth continues his insane raving, and recognizing that matters are only worsening, Lady Macbeth asks the increasingly suspicious guests to leave, bringing an abrupt end to the unsuccessful

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