Ambition The Destruction of Shakespeare’s Macbeth Essay

One of William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies is that of Macbeth. It is also known as â€Å"the Scottish play,† primarily because of its Scottish setting and because it is based loosely after the life of a real King Macbeth of Scotland. (Mendham) This play is considered a tragedy because the protagonist of the play, Macbeth, will suffer a terrible downfall as the result of his actions. From the beginning of the play, Shakespeare effectively establishes the atmosphere of the play as one of doom and despair, where even nature is at war with itself. The main themes of this tragedy are power and betrayal. Throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare explores aspects of the human conscience. He pays particular attention to our sense of right and wrong,†¦show more content†¦He also displays honor as a valiant war captain. Upon returning home from the battle in which both he and his comrade, Banquo, were victorious they are praised by King Duncan and a captain in his army for their outstanding valor. King Duncan said, â€Å"They smack [have the flavor, taste] of honor both.† (Macbeth Act 1, sc 2) Thane of Glamis is no doubt an honorable position as well which demands the respect of the general public. Macbeth appears to maintain his image of honor (in the public’s eye) when he is promoted to thane of Cawdor; however, his new ambitious thoughts are anything but honorable. Macbeth’s greatest strength is his ambition. With it, he pursues greatness for himself in a position of high respect and honor. His ambition gives him an edge that is not easily dulled. Along with great ambition comes determination; and with great determination, many things are made possible. His ambition in itself is a strength; however, it’s the intents of the heart that determine whether the ambition is truly a strength or a weakness. In Macbeth’s case, his ambition is both a strength and a weakness and will become his doom. Macbeth also possesses flaws in his character just as any person does. Throughout the play, his strengths are rebounding to become his weaknesses. One of his many flaws or weaknesses is moral cowardice. He doesn’t stick to what he knows is right. Rather his masculine ego allows him to beShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth And The Human Condition1292 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s plays have been analysed and studied for hundreds of years. They are an iconic aspect of human history and are considered by many, even today, to be timeless classics. But how is it that stories written centuries ago continue to maintain so much relevance in modern society? Hello and welcome to today’s public forum; Shakespeare – its relevance in our world today. Shakespeare’s ability to capture the essence of the human condition, the key characteristics and ideals that composeRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth And Richard IIi906 Words   |  4 PagesKing Richard the Third and The Tragedy of Macbeth exemplify two kings that are willing to do anything to achieve ultimate power, the crown. It is Richard and Macbeth’s ambition that drives them to commit the murderous acts within the plays. Though different figures, each share a common goal and a similar defect. Both Macbeth and Richard suffer from deformity; Richard’s physical deformity and Macbeth’s psychological deformity become embodiments of their ambition and eventually bring them to their inevitableRead MoreTragic Hero in William Shakespeare ´s Macbeth1014 Words   |  4 Pages Shakespeare’s Macbeth portrays every element of a tragic hero through specific life events. Macbeth highlights himself as a fearless warrior with impressive achievements at war, leading to a new high class title. However, Shakespeare display of Macbeth, allows the audience to view his infatuation with a royal title. Macbeth’s negative characteristics embed themselves within his positive characteristics, therefore, successfully dragging him down to his own downfall. Macbeth’s alert nature allowRead MoreMacbeth As A Tragic Hero893 Words   |  4 PagesAndreacchi February 13th 2017 ENG2D1-02 Macbeth as a Tragic Hero A tragic hero can be described as a character obtaining heroic qualities that is, at the same time, destined for their own downfall. Unfortunately, Macbeth is an example of a character that has this title. In Shakespeare’s time during the writing of the play was the reign of King James of England, and the play ‘Macbeth’ reflects on Shakespeare’s own relationship with this king. Someone of great honour, respectRead MoreThe Character Of An Individual s Ambition On Self And Others1600 Words   |  7 Pagesof an individual’s ambition on self and others. Ambition is devil’s creation. Ambition is an admirable trait that enabled famous writers and scholars to attain an unbelievable greatness. However, highly ambitious people often end up failing because they are unable to fill up an insatiable hole of greed that leads them to constant frustration and dissatisfaction. Just as an excessive ambition can start with malice, it can end in anguish and despair. In the play, Macbeth, by William ShakespeareRead MoreEssay on Lady Macbeth by William Shakespeare770 Words   |  4 PagesMacbeth is Shakespeares shortest tragic play in which the main character, Macbeth, becomes the tragic hero. He begins as a noble lord only to finish as Devilish Macbeth. But who or what is responsible for the tragic downfall of Macbeth? I believe Macbeths is partly responsible for the tragic events that take place, including the murder of King Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macduff and her children. However, Macbeth was influenced by the supernatural witches and by the strict pressure of his w ife, LadyRead More The Cause of Macbeths Destruction in William Shakespeares Macbeth1062 Words   |  5 PagesMacbeths Destruction in William Shakespeares Macbeth      Ã‚   In William Shakespeares Macbeth, Macbeth was a well-respected man of noble birth, but his fortune was reversed after he turned to darkness. He plummeted endlessly into a chasm of evil until his corrupt life was ended on the edge of Macduffs blade. Whose actions opened up the path of darkness to Macbeth? Whose actions led to Macbeths demise? The answer is threefold. The weird sisters set Macbeths fate into motion. Lady Macbeth goadedRead MoreAmbition: the Key to Self-Destruction911 Words   |  4 PagesAmbition: The key to self-destruction Ambition is normally seen as a positive quality in an individual, but it can in fact spiral out of control. In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, readers witness this exact situation; ambition is what leads to Macbeth’s destruction. This trait can also be referred to as his hamartia. The dangerous growth of ambition begins when the witches present to him a prophecy, continues when Lady Macbeth pushes him until, finally, he has built up enough to drive himselfRead MoreDefining a Hero in Shakespeares Macbeth1308 Words   |  5 Pagesthrough William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth. In his play, the reader comes across Macbeth, a noble and honorable hero, who ranks highly among his peers. Nonetheless, as the play unfolds, it clearly depicts how power can corrupt even the most honorable. The noble Macbeth usurps his higher sovereignty, King Duncan of Scotland, in order to obtain the throne. However, in doing so, he annihilates anyone and everyone who seeks to stop him. As a result of his fallacious ambition, Macbeth is murdered byRead MoreMacbeth: The Tragic Hero Essay1026 Words   |  5 Pages In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth is a classic example of a tragic hero who is constantly struggling with his fate. In the opening scene of the play Macbeth receives a prophecy from three witches. They proclaim that he will be the thane of Cawdor. He responds by saying, â€Å"By Sinel’s death I know that I am thane of Glamis/ but how of Cawdor†(I, iii, 70-73)? At first, he does not realize to earn this title what he must do, but when he realizes he is taken aback. His bewilderment prefigures