Macbeth's Ambition

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Ambitions can lead one to a world of opportunities, motivating an individual to pursue dreams and fulfill desires. Having ambitions in life is crucial to grasping essential opportunities, however, one must carefully evaluate the negative outcomes of that ambition with regard to themselves and others. This aspect of ambitiousness can be seen in different forms of literature, but it leads to betrayal in order to achieve personal goals. The poem “The Will to Win” by Berton Braley discusses the willingness to risk betraying everything for personal ambitions. Despite being aware of possible risks, many are oblivious to the real effects of those risks. This concept is demonstrated in the painting Landscape with the Fall of Icarus by Hans Bol, which …show more content…
Macbeth, the protagonist, is blinded by his desire to become the King of Scotland. To attain his selfish ambition, he claims the throne from Duncan by committing murder. Lady Macbeth pressurizes her husband by saying “when you durst do it, then you were a man” (Act 1, Scene 7, line 54). This made Macbeth sound like a coward, therefore he felt compelled to carry out the murder. Although he finally receives the title of King, Macbeth is concerned about his safety and feels that his position is threatened. He decides to kill even those that are close to him, such as Banquo and Macduff’s family. The First Apparition states that he must be aware of the Thane of Fife, which is Macduff. The Witches’ prophecies say Banquo’s children will become kings, and Macbeth quotes “They hail’d him father to a line of kings. Upon my head plac’d a fruitless crown and put a barren scepter in my gripe,” (Act 3, Scene 1). Despite having a crown on his head, Macbeth receives no benefits because Banquo is the one who will be the father to a line of kings. All this murder eventually leads to the death of Macbeth and his wife. Lady Macbeth commits suicide from going mad, since she is overwhelmed with guilt. Macbeth is imbedded in the thought of power and the Witches’ prophecies; he believes that nobody could defeat him. This is evident …show more content…
His tragic flaw is “vaulting ambition”, and it simply leads to more destruction. After all, even Macbeth himself says, “Blood will have blood,” which foreshadows his tragic fate (Act 3, Scene 4, line 151). Over-ambition also led to the drowning of Icarus, Daedalus’ son. His excitement towards the ability to fly engulfs him, and yet, life simply continues on for the villagers around him. He does not realize the consequences of his ambition on his mournful father. Similar to how Icarus risks his own life to fulfill his desires, the willingness to do anything for personal ambitions is discussed in “The Will to Win” by Berton Braley. The poem motivates the readers to act upon their ambitions, even if the ambition causes one to lose fear to great figures like God. Having ambitions in life is crucial to grasping essential opportunities, however, one must carefully evaluate the negative outcomes of that ambition to themselves and others. It is within human nature to strive for great achievements, after all, it is what helps society progress and become greater. Without ambitions, great discoveries and theories would not have been made and tested. However, one must not let ambitions take total control, as this may lead to more losses than
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