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Macbeth's Ambition Essay

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Syed Raza Ms. Castro World Literature 05 April 2023 The Demise of One’s Ambition In Shakespeare’s distinguished play Macbeth, the readers explore how ambition developed in the main character Macbeth and how Shakespeare portrays the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and how the corruption of power can lead to one's downfall. Throughout the play, Macbeth’s ambition drives him to commit immoral acts in order to obtain and maintain power. When Macbeth first hears the prophecy from the witches, which prophesied him becoming king of Scotland. It sparks his ambition, and he becomes consumed by the idea of ruling over Scotland. This is seen in his monologue in Act I, scene 7, where Macbeth says, “I have no spur. To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself. And falls on the’ other” (Shakespeare 1.7.25-28). Macbeth acknowledges that his ambition has no constraints and that he is willing to do whatever it takes even if it means betraying the people closest to him. As Macbeth gains more power, he increasingly becomes paranoid and ruthless, leading up to the murders of Banquo and Macduff’s family. Including the attempted murders of Fleance and Macduff. Macbeth's ambition also consumes his partner, Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth, who had pushed Macbeth to commit the initial …show more content…

This is illustrated in Act V, scene V, where Macbeth wants the end of the world, saying “And wish th' estate o' th' world were now undone, Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! Come, wrack! At least we'll die with harness on our back” (Shakespeare 5.5.48-51). At this time Macbeth falls into depression, experiencing the effects of his sins but continues to fight when his hope is lost. Showing that it took Macbeth too long to notice how delusional his ambitions were. In the end, Macbeth's unrestrained ambition leads to his downfall and tragic

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Instead, it tears Macbeth and his wife apart, as he slowly descends into madness, haunted by visions born of his misdeeds. Lady Macbeth, consumed by guilt, takes her own life. Macbeth finds himself trapped in a vicious cycle of violence, compelled to commit further atrocities – the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff's family – to cover his tracks and maintain his ill-gotten power. This downward spiral of dire consequences and poor decisions ultimately alienates him from all he once held dear, transforming the once-honored warrior into a dishonorable tyrant, despised by his subjects until his inevitable demise. The play demonstrates that morality and ethics serve as the best countermeasures to keep ambition in check.

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