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Essay / Macbeth Theme: The Role of Ambitions in the Poem
Table of ContentsAmbition as the Central Theme of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'To ConcludeWorks Cited: The notion of ambition as a theme of Macbeth is discussed in this essay. In the story of Macbeth, it is clear that ambition is the key to success. Ambition is the reason for Macbeth's downfall. The mystical power of witches gives him determination. Lady Macbeth, his wife, then grows determined. After Duncan's murder, Macbeth added enough determination himself to bring about his own destruction. We can see a clear construction of desire throughout the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayAmbition as the Central Theme of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'Macbeth first discovers his true power and determinations through the witches, who meet him with three titles. Thane of Glamis, of whom Macbeth is fully aware. Thane of Cawdor, which is true at this point, but which Macbeth was not informed of. Then there's King, which hasn't come true yet. It was the witches who planted the actual idea of killing Duncan in Macbeth's mind. We must first understand that in the Elizabethan era, witches would have been taken very seriously. It is stated that "certain wizards in whose words Macbeth placed great confidence" (Bloom's Literature). This lets us know that Macbeth trusted these witches because witchcraft was part of their culture at that time. King James even wrote a book on this ideal subject. Shakespeare foreshadows Macbeth's corruption through his encounter with these three witches. His thoughts are compared to those of Banquo, whose morality, it seems, will not allow itself to turn to evil. Banquo is skeptical of witches and tries to warn his friend, who seems to accept what they say. Without this supernatural prophecy, the idea of killing the king would never have crossed Macbeth's mind. This thought is then reinforced when Macbeth learns that he is the Thane of Cawdor, as the witches predicted. Now that Macbeth has it in him to become king, his is still not capable of killing Duncan. His morality prevents him from accomplishing such a task. He is also fully aware of the destructive power of his ambitions. In Act I, Scene VII, he tells us: “I have no sting to prick the sides of my intention, but only a determination which leaps, which leaps of itself and falls upon the other. (vii 25-28) “He knows that this will be his downfall. His actions are only continued by the persuasive power of his wife, Lady Macbeth, who is even more determined than Macbeth himself. She is so determined that she is willing to sacrifice her femininity and all her human feelings for her desire for power. The actions of his own wife are crucial in Macbeth's downfall. She supports his determinations and abolishes his grace. “For the bloody deeds that Macbeth must commit to secure the throne, he is condemned to remain an illegal king, consumed by a mistaken faith in false prophecies and the evil agents who deliver them (Bloom's Literature).” Once Duncan's death occurs, Macbeth gains even more ambition and desire for power. Lady Macbeth will soon slowly begin to move away from part of Macbeth's downfall. He then becomes even more paranoid. He feels like he has to kill Banquo to keep himself safe. “Macbeth attempts to kill Banquo and Banquo's son to stop their line from ruling Scotland, and after killing Duncan, Macbeth hears a voice condemning his action. The voice that Kenneth hears predicts his death and that of his children. Kenneth is killed by Fanella, whom he had..