Macbeth Inevitable Ambition

In recent times, we have witnessed many world superpowers (CEOs, Dictators, etc.) publicly outed as corrupt. This is not a new phenomenon however; historically, many leaders have gained power of some sort of system through disgustingly devious and ought right illegal means. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth, Macbeth is no exception. He is a man with no self-control, indomitable ambition and an all-consuming will to become the king of Scotland. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is told of his future kingship by three disgusting witches, to be Thanes of Cawdor and Glamis and to be King. Alas Banquo, who is aside Macbeth, has a prophecy of his own; his offspring and their future generations will be the monarchy. Thus begins Macbeth’s overwhelming quest to become king, with exciting

Firstly, a significant portion of Macbeth’s overall downfall was caused by his belief in the supernatural. For example, in lines 59-63 of Act II, Scene i, Macbeth creates a foreshadowing metaphor, “…Witchcraft celebrates/Pale Hecate’s offerings; and wither’d Murder/towards his design/Moves like a ghost” (II,i,59-63). This shows that Macbeth, who is moments from murdering King Duncan thinks Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, is assisting Murder (Macbeth) with Duncan; moving silently and quickly with his hound of death. This also shows that Macbeth’s mental state has deteriorated prior to the forthcoming events in the play. In addition, in lines 47-49 of act V, Scene v, Macbeth realizes, “I pull in resolution, and begin/to doubt the equivocation of the fiend/that lies the truth…” (V,v,47-49). This shows that Macbeth understands his death will be as the Witches prophesied— Birnam Wood is currently marching to Dunsinane Hill. This also shows that he has realized that allowing