How Does Shakespeare Present Ambition In Macbeth

Words: 1076
Pages: 5
Open Document
“Macbeth,” written by William Shakespeare, focuses on the wild journey in which Macbeth becomes king, and his desire to maintain the throne. In performing Macbeth, we focused on Act IV Scene i, which highlights Macbeth facing the witches once more, and how the prophecies presented foreshadow Macbeth’s future as king. Macbeth, a complex character, filled with ambition and courage that leads him astray, is enraged by what he was told by the witches. He is told to beware of the Thane of Fife, Macduff, and that he will be harmed only by one who wasn’t born from a woman. The last two apparitions are visions of a boy holding a tree, in which he will dethrone Macbeth. However, the last vision presented to Macbeth is not an apparition, but it is what makes Macbeth tremble the most, a vision of a …show more content…
He starts to envision his future, and he states, “From this moment/The very firstlings of my heart shall be/The firstlings of my hand.” At that moment he decides that every action he thinks of, he will take action immediately. This reflects on his future as king, and how he will do anything possible to maintain his power on the throne. He decides to take action on any threat to the throne, and the first apparition expressed to Macbeth that he should beware of Macduff. Therefore, he says, “The castle of Macduff I will surprise,/Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword/His wife, his babes, and all fortunate souls/That trace him in his line.” This bold statement is the moment that Macbeth decides to kill Macduff’s family. He will eliminate his family as a threat to Macbeth, except for Macduff himself. His ambition affects his fate, and this bold decision he made will change his future entirely. After he takes action, there is no going back, and Macbeth doesn’t think about the consequences of his actions. It alters his future as king, and foreshadows the rest of the
Show More

Related Documents: How Does Shakespeare Present Ambition In Macbeth

How Does Shakespeare Present Ambition In Macbeth

hat does Shakespeare suggest about ambition in the play, Macbeth? Your analysis must focus on theatrical techniques: In Shakespeare’s famous play, “Macbeth”, ambition is presented as a dangerous quality, one in which both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth fall victim to during the play. Ambition arises with the temptation of becoming King and Queen and evidently becomes Macbeths fatal flaw. The driving force of ambition ultimately results in the downfall, unhappiness and eventual death of the Macbeth’s.…

Words 886 - Pages 4

TO WHAT EXTENT DOES SHAKESPEARE PRESENT MACBETH AS A VILLAIN? Essay

TO WHAT EXTENT DOES SHAKESPEARE PRESENT MACBETH AS A VILLAIN? Shakespeare presents Macbeth more extensively as a villain using methods which would be more understood in the era the play was composed, which was the Jacobean period, but influenced by the reign of Elizabeth. During the Elizabethan period people were preoccupied with the supernatural, which is one of the main topics in Shakespeare’s play. In my opinion Shakespeare structures the play to make the audience see Macbeth transforming from…

Words 3940 - Pages 16

Macbeth Lust For Power Analysis

The Tragedy of Macbeth tells a story about a thane named Macbeth who must overcome obstacles in order to acquire and maintain power to be king. He does this along with the pressure of his persuasive and ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth. The play is set in Scotland around the 1600, which is during the time of the Renaissance. The playwright, William Shakespeare uses the theme of lust for power to display at length what drives these characters to achieve what they want. Macbeth and his wife have certain…

Words 855 - Pages 4

Banquo's Ambition In Macbeth

show caution about future dangers and problems. Shakespeare demonstrates to not be wary with Macbeth's activity of believing the witches. Macbeth not being careful about the witches prompts to his downfall and in the long run, his passing. The witches have three greetings upon Macbeth's arrival, the most essential one is “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter” (1.3. 50). This is a predication that Macbeth will be King in the near future. Macbeth hears the news of Malcolm being named Prince…

Words 400 - Pages 2

Weaknessess And Stuff 1 Essay

11AAB Summer coursework- ‘’How does Shakespeare present human weaknesses in both Julius Caesar and Macbeth?’’ Sharing our weaknesses and problems with one another is seen to be a more nourishing way of depleting certain situations in life. Rather than sharing ones achievements and qualities, man is more seduced to the idea of power thus making them deluded to the idea of actually accepting and embracing their own weaknesses. Macbeth is a man that desires a great ambition but relies heavily upon his…

Words 568 - Pages 3

Macbeth Universal Theme Essay

Shakespeare is known for telling stories with universal themes. In the well-known play Macbeth, a few of these universal themes are used. For example, ambition, guilt, things not being what they seem, and fate versus free will. These themes really give the play a relatable factor. Ambition is the strong desire to achieve something. In the play Macbeth ambition is exhibited through many of the characters. For example, in one scene Macbeth was second guessing killing King Duncan. To encourage him…

Words 668 - Pages 3

Essay on Macbeth Notes

(1606 James I) Macbeth is considered one of the darkest and bloodiest tragedies of all time. The play dramatizes the virulent psychological aspect of humanity by revealing weaknesses of the human nature. Shakespeare presents the overspreading influence of evil over the guilty and ambitious minds which lead them to commit the most treacherous villainy that affect not only the man and the state but the family and physical universe. Form: Tragedy, taught audiences lessons about ambition, duty, loyalty…

Words 983 - Pages 4

Why Is Sleep Important In Macbeth

In Macbeth, William Shakespeare used many motifs to reveal a major theme or plot of a story. One of the major motifs that occurred throughout the play was sleep. One theme within sleep was ambition. Sleep played a major role in Macbeth. The role of sleep in the play is supposed to wash away all of the guilt and all of the troubles in the past days that are going to be put behind. When individuals do sleep, they do not have to worry about the guilts and troubles. But when Macbeth kills Duncan, he…

Words 524 - Pages 3

Blind Ambition In Macbeth And Frankenstein

Blind ambition, a driving force in William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth and in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, eventually leads to the main characters’ downfalls. In Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is an eager scientist, loyal son, and loyal friend; however, he does not stay this way throughout the book. In Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth is introduced as King Duncan’s loyal soldier because he killed the wanted traitor, Macdonwald. Additionally, Victor is interested…

Words 783 - Pages 4

Greed And Ambition In Macbeth

In the tragedy, Macbeth (1623), William Shakespeare implies that only a person has the will to stray away from things such as greed and ambition if they want to because if they let themselves get influenced by such things it doesn’t matter who tries to help them as it is up to them. The author supports this claim by showing how Macbeth’s greed and ambition for power led him to order the murder of Banquo and his son when Banquo was one of his if not only best friend that he had by his side. The author’s…

Words 594 - Pages 3