Examples Of Unchecked Ambition In Macbeth

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Unchecked ambition, along with other traits, comes upon Macbeth in the form of a curse and carries on throughout the story. The curse is put on him by three witches who tell him of multiple prophecies concerning his future. His unchecked ambition causes enough fear for him to kill those who he is loyal to, and to have Banquo and his son murdered. Later on in the story the witches present him with three ghosts that show him his inevitable doom that he misunderstands and misuses as a confidence boost. In the first prophecy the witches tell Macbeth he will become King of Scotland. But, before he becomes king he will become Thane of Glamis and then the Thane of Cawdor. (Shakespeare 1.3.50-53) Macbeth ignores these prophecies because he knows …show more content…

He uses the guard’s daggers as a cover up to ensure his innocence only to murder them in their drunkenness as well. But, he claims that he killed the guards in a rage of the king’s death. (2.3.112-124) Banquo and Macbeth gather all the lords to discuss the death of Duncan. Meanwhile, Duncan’s sons, Malcom and Donalbain, flee to England and Ireland fearing that whoever killed their father will kill them next. (2.3.141-152) With the heirs to the throne fleeing the country Macbeth is soon to be pronounced king. Shortly after Macbeth is officially declared king he becomes fearful of Banquo’s knowledge and the possibility of his family overthrowing Macbeth’s royal family status. Macbeth hires two murderers to kill Banquo and his son while they are on a horseback ride. At the scene of the ambush there is a third murderer that comes to make sure the two hired murderers are doing what is asked of them. The murderers ambush Banquo and Fleance and successfully kill Banquo, yet they allow Fleance to get away. (3.3.1-5 / 14-21) The killing of Banquo really signifies how crazy Macbeth’s misguided ambition due to the prophecies has become. He has slain not only the king of Scotland, but his own comrade. The curse that witches have bestowed upon him has left him fatally ambitious, barren, restless, and still hungry for more power and control. Seemingly enough, Macbeth’s horrifying

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