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Macbeth's Ambition Essay

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Discuss the idea(s) developed by Shakespeare in Macbeth about the impact of an individual’s ambition on self and others.

Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" is a powerful exploration of the dangers of ambition and the disastrous consequences that can result from its unchecked pursuit. Through the character of Macbeth, Shakespeare portrays the devastating impact that ambition can have not only on the individual but also on those around them. The play illustrates how the pursuit of ambition can lead to moral corruption and a loss of self. As well demonstrates how ambition can lead to the destruction of leadership and relationship and a breakdown of social order and insanity as well the impact of the influence of external factors on an individual’s …show more content…

The ambition in Macbeth serves as a warning about the dangers of ambition and the need of restraint and self awareness.

In Macbeth the idea of ambition’s impact on one self is the moral corruption and loss of self that can result from it. During the play we can see Macbeth change from being a loyal and honorable soldier and leader slowly into a ruthless and power hungry tyrant, the complete opposite of what he was. As Macbeth becomes more consumed by his ambition, he loses sight of his moral compass and becomes willing to do anything to achieve his goals. One example of his moral corruption is his decision to murder King Duncan. As he contemplates this, he 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." This quote clearly shows how Macbeth's ambition is the only driving force behind his actions, and he acknowledges that it may ultimately lead to his downfall. Also shown as an example of moral corruption in Macbeth is Lady Macbeth’s transformation as well. She is the one who puts the idea of murder in Macbeth's head and pushes him to do it and …show more content…

As Macbeth becomes consumed by his ambition, he loses sight of his responsibilities as a leader, leading to chaos and loss of order in the kingdom as well destroying any relationship he had in the beginning. One of the destruction of the relationship would be because of the way he treated Macduff’s family which led to Macduff’s rebellion against Macbeth. "Not in the legions / Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd / In evils to top Macbeth." This outer shows Macbeth’s ambition transformed him into a tyrant and unlike blue ruler causing him to lose all respect and relationships and the loyalty of his people in the kingdom. Most of all Macbeth’s ambition destroyed his relationship with Lady Macbeth. When consumed by his desire for power he begins to ignore her and makes decisions without her input which leads her in a defense of madness. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" is a clear sign of how the ambitious actions of Macbeth have destroyed their relationship. Macbeth's ambition leads him to turn on his friend Banquo, and have him murdered. As he contemplates doing so in this quote. "To be thus is nothing, / But to be safe thus: our fears in Banquo / Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature / Reign that which would be feared." Macbeth's ambition had led him to betray his friends and turn against those closest and most loyal to him in the pursuit of power as

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