Examples Of Ambition In Macbeth

Power and ambition go hand in hand. The catch is the intention behind the two. The idea of power might scare some or give others strength. The thought of power is determined by one's ambition and can showcase one's true colors. In the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare a significant amount of tragedies unfold. Shakespeare demonstrates how one always wants more and the temptations of the world. Macbeth, the main character in the beginning transforms from a valiant war hero to a murderous man. Finally, he becomes a tyrant king who wants more power. Macbeth is ultimately responsible for all the tragedies due to his desire of power and excessive selfish ambition.

Aspirations for power causes Macbeth to become greedy for his future. The

thought of power in one's future makes one eager to follow through. Macbeth at first questions the witches prophecies of becoming king but, in time he contemplates how to get what he wants. Macbeth comes to the conclusion in order to become king he must kill King Duncan. Macbeth reveals in soliloquy, “That is a step/ On which I must fall down or else o’erleap,/ For in my way it lies. Star hide your fires;/ Let not light see my black and deep desires” (1.4.55-58). Here is the start of Macbeth's evil intentions for power. He is no longer hesitant to kill King Duncan. Macbeth decides in order to become king, he must take action, in this case, murder. Although the witches and Lady Macbeth influence him it is ultimately his choice. His thirst for power is also displayed when he orders the death of Banquo and his son Fleance. The three witches also mention Banquo will have sons that are kings. Macbeth understands this means his own children will not be kings. Macbeth orders to the murderers, “Whose execution takes your enemy off,/ Grapples you to the heart and love of us,/ Who wear our health but sickly in his life,/ Which in his death were perfect” (3.1.117-120). Macbeth shows his craving for power by knocking off his competition. Macbeth is scared that Banquo suspects him of murdering Duncan; he then decides to eliminate the problem. He was especially scared due to the witches prophecy that Banquo’s sons would become king. Therefore the witches prophecies mean a lot to Macbeth which motivates him to get what he desires making him greedy.
Macbeth’s ambitions wrongfully cause many dangers which in the end lead to selfishness and death.

Macbeth at first understands he needs to kill Duncan to be king. After one kills, he is not able to stop. He considers and then decides to kill all of Macduff's family due to the first apparition. Macduff, a nobleman who goes behind Macbeth's back to receive help from England to overthrow the tyranny king Macbeth. Macbeth agrees on what he needs to do and reveals, “The castle of Macduff I will surprise,/ Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword/ His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls/… This deed I’ll do before this purpose cool” (4.1.172-175). Macbeth’s selfish ambition takes control of him and leads him down a dark path. His selfishness led him to murder a whole innocent family in cold blood. This is all to spite an enemy of his. Macbeth’s selfishness is also seen within his own family. In the beginning Macbeth was fond of his beloved wife, now he hardly even flinches at the word of her death. His apathy is present when talking about the lost, “She should have died hereafter./ There would have been a time for such a word./ Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow/ Creeps in this petty pace from day to day/… And all our yesterdays have lighted fools/ The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle” (5.5.20-26). The events have turned Macbeth to stone. He has very little feeling left and the only thing that does break through the stone is his selfishness. Any normal

husband would be grieving the death of his wife but Macbeth is no normal husband. He has become a monster who is unrecognizable to those who knew and cared about him before the murders. It is obvious all of Macbeth’s ambitions cause the tragedies.
In conclusion Macbeth is the man behind all of the deaths. Although he was influenced by the three witches and his wife, he is the one who holds the choice. Killing King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff’s family for power and becoming selfish is the true Macbeth. Some may say the influence from others is the reason for the tragedies. Although this may seem true Macbeth’s lets others influence him and does not listen to his own conscience. In the end Macbeth holds his own his own choices and makes his own decisions. A strong desire for success is seen in both powerful and ambitious people. What one does with their power is the hard part to understand.