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Shakespeare's Macbeth-Obsession With The Desire For Power

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The Obsession with the Desire for Power
Ambition is a central motif in William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. The play follows the tragic story of Macbeth, a nobleman from Scotland, taking place in the 11th century, who becomes consumed by his ambition for power and ultimately suffers a tragic downfall. Throughout the play, Shakespeare highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences it can have. This theme is not only relevant in the play but also has importance in the real world.
One of the central ideas surrounding ambition in Macbeth is the corrupting influence it can have on the innocent. Macbeth's unrelenting ambition leads him to commit increasingly awful acts, such as murdering the king and Banquo, his friend. Shakespeare uses Macbeth's downfall to illustrate how ambition, when not compared with morality, can lead to the end. This idea is not limited to just the play, as history has shown …show more content…

Throughout the play, Macbeth's yearning for power changes him, turning him into a cruel ruler. This idea is still relevant in modern-day society, as history has shown many examples of individuals who were once virtuous but became overtaken by power. From political leaders to business tycoons, the pursuit of power has the potential to corrupt even the most virtuous individuals.
Lastly, Macbeth highlights the consequences of ambition when it goes too far into obsession. Macbeth's obsession with power leads to the death of his wife and family, the loss of his friends, and ultimately his untimely end. Shakespeare uses this tragedy to warn against the dangers of becoming so consumed by ambition that it goes too far. The power search is never worth losing everyone you love or your death. This theme is relevant in the real world as well, as people often become so fixated on achieving their goals that they neglect their personal relationships, health, and overall

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