How Does Shakespeare Present Ambition In Macbeth

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Explain how Shakespeare highlighted one particular theme or idea in the play you studied. Power and ambition is like water on a coin. Once there is too much of it, the water will spill. The play 'Macbeth' written by William Shakespeare conveys the theme of power and ambition through the main character Macbeth. Through the ideas of the three witches, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's loss of conscience, we understand the theme of ambition and power as something we do not want. Meeting the three witches was an important catalyst for Macbeth's ambition. Their prophecies of 'Macbeth...thane of Glamis...thane of Cawdor...and soon be king hereafter,' influenced Macbeth's ambition for power and helped him to fuel his hunger for superiority. The prophecies also helped to influence him to kill Duncan and achieve his ambition to be king of Scotland. Even after gaining the title of being king, the witches continued to motivate him to undergo further action with another three prophecies,'beware MacDuff...none of woman born shall harm Macbeth...Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill. Although these prophecies were supposed to deliver negative outcomes, Macbeth felt superior after hearing them and…show more content…
After being regarded as 'too full of the milk of human kindness' from his partner Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's ambition goes spiraling out of control and causes him not to only kill for power, but also to kill to cover his previous wrongdoings. Lady Macbeth has been the driving force of Macbeth's ambition and encourages him to overcome his strong sense of guilt. She also encouraged him to take action on the prophecies which first caused Macbeth to kill king Duncan in order to be king. Although having Lady Macbeth as the driving force of Macbeth's ambition for power, she soon goes mentally ill and eventually commits

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