Macbeth Ambition Research Paper

Ambition, the driving force that people use to accomplish remarkable acts, however it is also a corrupter of those who do not how to wield its overwhelming power. Though when one thinks of ambition, the first idea that comes to mind, tends to lean towards the harmless and beneficial outcome, the reality is that ambition is corruptive and more harmful than it seems. Shakespeare’s character Macbeth best shows the truth of this statement in his famous tragic play called “Macbeth.” The tale is of a tragic man with a tragic life, starting out as a hero, only to plummet down into a life not worth living, being known as a madman and a tyrant. His descent to madness has played a substantial part in literary works after its debut, and continues to be …show more content…
“This/ have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of/ greatness, that thou mightst not lose the due of rejoicing, by/ being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee.” (1.5.8-11) She is dumbfounded at the news, questioning how the Witches knew what they did, and how the other prophecies will come true. While she ponders the situation, her messenger comes in telling her “The king comes here to-night.” (1.5.30) Consequently, evil thoughts start to fill Lady Macbeth as she starts to realize how Macbeth will become king. “The raven himself/ is hoarse/ That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan/ Under my battlements. Come, you spirits/ That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,/ And fill me from the crown to the top-full/ Of direst cruelty.” (1.5.39-45) Death is the answer, and she understands that it must be done that night. When Macbeth comes home with the King, Lady Macbeth pulls him away to tell her husband of the devious plan she has conjured up. Naturally, the King plans to leave “To-morrow, as he purposes.” (1.5.65) But Lady Macbeth has other plans for Duncan that night, “O, never/ Shall sun that morrow see!”(1.5.66-67) To kill Duncan before he can see the light of day again. Just like Duncan said, he is to trusting, and trusting Macbeth will very well be the death of him. Later that night, after everyone has gone to bed and the guards to Duncan’s chambers are all drunk, Macbeth readies to kill the poor King of Scotland. Paranoia causes hallucinations to cloud Macbeth’s mind, and he swears he can see a bloody dagger in front of him. “A dagger of the mind, a false creation,/ Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?/ I see thee yet, in form as palpable/ As this which now I draw” (2.1.46-49) But he pushes it out of his mind as he is signalled to go and complete the evil deed of murder. As Lady Macbeth waits downstairs, she sees her husband

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