Examples Of Ambition In Macbeth

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Macbeth
“Sometimes we want what we want even if we know it’s going to kill us.” Donna Tartt. In the story of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth kills everyone around him in search for power. This ultimately caused his demise. Just like the story of “Goldilocks” Macbeth had too much ambition just as the porridge was too hot. A character can have too much, just right, or even too little of any virtue. Ambition can be a great thing in moderation or a curse in excess.
In Macbeth’s case he had far too much ambition, doing anything to get and hold power. Namely, he had Duncan killed which started his downward spiral. Duncan trusted Macbeth for he was his general. However, Macbeth had different intentions than to simply follow orders even thinking to himself “Let not light see my black and deep desires” (1.4. 51). So, on the outside Macbeth didn’t act any differently towards King Duncan, but on the inside he was planning on killing him and taking power for himself. Even going as far as, killing one of his best friends and his whole family, and eventually being in his castle alone waiting for Macduff to return to end his life. In conclusion, Macbeth …show more content…

He is a general of Duncan’s army and is pretty highly revered as a successful man. He was power but does not abuse it, doing what it takes within reason to complete the task at hand. Banquo tells Macduff to not let his emotions get the better of him so that they can solve the mystery of the murderer. Macduff later tells Macbeth that “I have no words; my voice is in my sword” (5.8.7-8) meaning that he is calm, cool, and collected. Macduff didn’t need to speak about the crimes that Macbeth had broken, and he was simply going to kill him for his actions. There is a fine line for the amount of ambition a person should have. Too much ambition and you will ultimately fail is the long run. Too little ambition and you will never set a goal to

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