Macbeth's Ambition

In the 17th century Shakespearean play, “Macbeth”, the protagonist is a brave and successful Scottish general, named Macbeth. Despite being an exceptional soldier, he was by no means perfect. The central theme of the play is his extreme ambition and it results in detrimental effects to his life and the lives of others. Nevertheless, Macbeth is not completely malicious. His moral compass nearly saves him from his wrongdoings but his wife’s, Lady Macbeth, unscrupulous conscience and the evil witches’ prophecies greatly influence his assassinations to reach the throne. Shakespeare’s use of symbolism such as murder, good and evil, and hallucinations, all enhance the character development of Macbeth. In William Shakespeare’s play, “Macbeth”, the

Oftentimes, this kind of a determined mindset is beneficial when looking to accomplish something; however, when ambition is unchecked, it can be dangerous as can be seen in Macbeth’s case. At the beginning of the play when Macbeth is contemplating on the idea of murdering King Duncan, he says, “I have no spur, to prick the sides only, vaulting ambition, which overleaps itself,” he explains to the audience that his actions are mainly driven by his ambition (1.3.25-28). The idea of being crowned the king of Scotland, as well as his wife’s influence, clouded Macbeth’s judgement and enabled him to go through with the killings of Macduff’s family, Banquo, and King Duncan. As Firkins suggests, Macbeth’s benevolent and good-natured persona would not have allowed him to commit the aforementioned murders; however, the intense desire to become king as soon as possible led him to partake in this erroneous behavior (Firkins). Additionally, once he committed these crimes, Macbeth shows that he cannot handle the guilt he feels after committing these abominable crimes

These turn of events are just another factor that leads Macbeth to his own downfall. Banquo warns Macbeth early on in the play about the dangers of listening to the witches because of their intent to inflict harm and promote evil. Banquo says, “Might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange. And often times, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence (1.3.122-127)”. Despite his ally’s good advice, Macbeth takes fate into his own hands and murders Banquo to prevent the witches’ prophecy of Banquo’s descendants becoming