Macbeth Ambition Essay

Ambition is a strong desire or drive to achieve a certain goal, and it is typically accompanied with a willingness to work very hard, take calculated risks, and face obstacles in order to succeed or be noticed. The concept of ambition has frequently appeared in literature, encouraging characters to strive for greatness, overcome obstacles, and relentlessly pursue their goals. The theme of ambition is prevalent in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth in terms of ambition's destructive nature, the corrupting effect of uncontrolled ambition, and the brief duration of ambition's fulfilment.
The destructive nature of ambition is one of the primary aspects that Macbeth highlights. Shakespeare shows how people can travel down a dangerous path of violence

vii. 25-28) In this quote, Macbeth considers his desire to become king and acknowledges that it is his primary motivation, despite the fact that he has no legitimate reason to do so. He understands that his ambition has become reckless and impetuous, prompting him to seek immoral and violent means of achieving his goal, ultimately leading to his tragic demise. “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared.” (III. i. 52-55) Macbeth expresses his rising paranoia and concern with retaining his newfound position as king in this quote. He considers Banquo, a former ally, to be a threat to his throne because of the prophecy that Banquo's children will inherit the realm. Macbeth's ambition to secure his position drives him to order Banquo's murder and to eradicate any potential hurdles in his way, showing the destructive nature of ambition when it becomes all-consuming and leads to betrayal and bloodshed. “Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no

“Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death.” (V. v. 22-26) Macbeth reflects on the brief and meaningless essence of existence in this soliloquy. He realises that, despite accomplishing his highest goals, life is temporary and will end in death. This remark emphasises how the fulfilment of ambition is fleeting and elusive, as it only provides transient gratification and cannot eventually satisfy the human need for meaning and purpose. “It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.” (V. v. 30-31) These words are spoken by Macbeth in the same soliloquy as the previous one, emphasising the fleeting nature of ambition's fulfilment. He compares life to a meaningless story told by an idiot, full of noise and excitement but ultimately meaningless. This proverb emphasises how ambition, while propelling people to chase their dreams tirelessly, can ultimately leave them empty and unsatisfied. “For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be Which the eye fears when it is done to see.” (I. iv. 57-60) Macbeth admits his evil impulses and goals in this phrase, but also recognises the fleeting and elusive nature of their fulfilment. He speaks of