Macbeth Misguided Ambition

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Ambition is the desire to be successful and powerful. Nonetheless, unchecked ambition can lead to a corruption of natural order. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, one of the major themes is misguided ambition. This theme is centered on the main character, Macbeth, and his determination to become the King of Scotland. Once the three witches acknowledge Macbeth of his future reigning, he is tempted to do everything in his power to fulfill the witches’ prophecy; including murder. In this case, Macbeth is passionate about becoming king, however, his ambition is so strong that it motivates him to perform evil crimes and it eventually leads to his tragic downfall. The characterization in the play is a key principle that directs the theme of misguided ambition, which can be best explained by analyzing the compulsions of the three witches, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth himself. The three witches in the play are the root of the problem that is developed throughout the story. Each time there is an encounter between the three witches and Macbeth, the witches reveal something about Macbeth’s future. At the first encounter, the witches…show more content…
She is sure that Macbeth is “too full of the milk of human kindness” (1.5.15) In Act 1, Scene 7, she challenges his manhood and convinces him to precede in his evildoings in order to become King of Scotland. “When you durst do it, then you were a man; and to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man.” She practically tells Macbeth that if he continues to act ruthful, he will become manlier. She even wishes to “pour [her] spirits in [Macbeths] ear” (1.5.24). She wants to manipulate his mind by filling his ears with harsh words to encourage him to man up. Eventually her plan is put into action, and Macbeth has finally proven his manhood. This is a major turning point in the play because it leaves Macbeth feeling accomplished and more powerful than

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