Unrestrained Ambition In Macbeth

“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition” (Shakespeare, 1.7.25-27), stated directly by the tragic hero, Macbeth, himself in the time-honored play of William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Macbeth. This quote in particular can be used to summarize the entire plot of the play. The main character, Macbeth, begins the play as a simple thane of one territory, Glamis. He happens upon a group of three witches who prophesize great things to come in his life. Prophecies such as becoming Thane Cawdor, then becoming King of Scotland. Through terrible actions these prophecies soon ring true. Ultimately, the play ends in a bloody mess for Macbeth. The Tragedy of Macbeth is a literary classic with thousands of portions ripe

There are many aspects to Macbeth and his actions, but one facet transcends the rest. The pinnacle of Macbeth’s character is unrestrained ambition.

To begin, evidence of Macbeth’s unrestrained ambition is seen in his greed for power. He had always wanted to be a man of great importance, holding much respect from others. Macbeth shows immense desire early on in the play. During his first encounter with the three witches, he is skeptical of what they promise him. They proclaim him Thane of Cawdor, yet there is already a Thane of Cawdor. They pronounce him King of Scotland, yet the king is still living. The only name he sees as truthful is when they call him the Thane of Glamis, which he is. However, as soon as he is bestowed the title Thane of Cawdor by the kings own men, Macbeth is already anticipating the sweet title of King. This can be seen in Macbeth’s aside to himself, “Glamis, and thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind” (Shakespeare, 1.3.117-118). Evenmore, Macbeth is

It is reminiscent of his original attitude; of yearning for greatness, yet unwilling to take it. Therefore, he requires approval in order to be certain of his actions. In the opening act of the play, Lady Macbeth realizes her husband will not go through with the necessary murder unless she urges him. And so the following conversation goes to prove this. Macbeth asks, “If we should fail?” (Shakespeare, 1.7.58). To which Lady Macbeth replies, “But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we’ll not fail” (Shakespeare, 1.7.60-61). Resulting in Macbeth’s steeled determination to murder the current King Duncan, “I am settled, and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat” (Shakespeare, 1.7.79-80). Only with the assurance of his lady, was Macbeth able to vaporize his uncertainty, and commit himself to his desired plan of action. With this, he is able to take the crown, finally becoming King. Alas, toward the end of the play, Macbeth lacks confidence in his safety as king. He seeks the advice of the three witches once again to solve his questions. He states, “I conjure you by that which you profess … answer me” (Shakespeare, 4.1.50-51). The witches send three apparitions to answer his demands. The first confirms his suspicions that he must fear his opponent, Macduff. The second assures him he need fear no man, certainly not even Macduff can end him. The third guarantees his