Table of ContentsIntroductionThe impact of ambition on MacbethAmbition in the life of Lady MacbethConclusionReferencesIntroductionAmbition, defined as the fervent desire to achieve a goal or accomplish a task, is often considered a desirable trait, as it is commonly believed to boost productivity and improve quality of life. However, like all human traits, ambition must be balanced with rational thinking; otherwise, it can corrupt an individual's character. This consequence of unbalanced ambition is explored in depth by legendary poet and playwright William Shakespeare in his work “Macbeth.” The play revolves around Macbeth's character's descent into malevolence as he succumbs to the primal desires associated with ambition, ultimately committing murder. Through his analysis of the effects of unchecked ambition on his dynamic protagonists, Shakespeare conveys the message that ambition, when separated from a sense of morality, can lead to degradation of character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Impact of Ambition on Macbeth The impact of ambition on the character of Macbeth is a great example of how it can corrupt an individual's purity. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth receives three prophecies from three mysterious figures, the witches, one of which predicts his eventual kingship. These prophecies inflame Macbeth's ambition, driving him to pursue his rightful throne by taking the life of his comrade, King Duncan. Although the murder itself is not explicitly described in the play, Macbeth's bold declaration, "I have done the deed," leaves no doubt about his actions. Discharged of his moral compass, Macbeth's act of regicide illustrates the extent to which unbridled ambition can corrupt an individual. Initially torn by moral dilemmas, Macbeth eventually succumbs to the desire for power and commits the murder of King Duncan. This evil act sets off a chain of other atrocities, such as the order for the assassination of his friend Banquo. It becomes clear that Macbeth's ambition has driven him to madness. In describing these actions, Shakespeare offers a concrete, albeit fictional, illustration of the consequences of giving in to one's desires without considering the moral consequences, namely the descent into madness. Furthermore, Macbeth's change in attitude is marked by an increasing inclination toward aggression. and violence as a means to achieve its goals. He no longer employs the calculating approach he exhibited at the beginning of the story, free from thoughts of murder and malevolence. Fearing Banquo's prophecies about rising to power, Macbeth orders two murderers to kill him, declaring: "It is concluded." Banquo, the flight of your soul, if it finds paradise, must discover it this evening. This quote illustrates the malevolence that has taken root in Macbeth's character following his exposure to the prophecy and his growing ambition. His new persona, described as evil, contrasts sharply with his previous self, docile and benevolent, indicating the corruption of his character in the absence of moral restraint. Macbeth's ambition results in the appearance of Banquo's ghost, a manifestation of his remorse and the culmination of the damage inflicted on his mental state solely by ambition. This example of moral corruption and character deterioration aligns with the central theme of the play: ambition, when unchecked by moral boundaries, leads to destruction. Macbeth's character transformation and moral decadence illustrate this theme, as he goes from a once benevolent individualto a tyrannical ruler consumed by malevolence. Ambition in Lady Macbeth's Life Ambition plays a similar role in the corruption of Lady Macbeth's character and in her actions. Being the one who provoked and ignited Macbeth's ambition to greater heights, leading him to murder his dearest comrades and friends, Ambition had a similar effect in corrupting Lady Macbeth's character by implanting desire in her to seize power. Intense desire is expressed in his lines: “Was hope drunk In which you dressed? has he slept since then? And wake him now, to look so green and pale Because of what he did so freely? As Lady Macbeth alone is not able to take power, she degrades herself and convinces Macbeth to commit his actions, leading to a deterioration in his character. Lady Macbeth's diction, specifically the informal tone and brevity of her lines, also implies a sense of urgency, which in itself indicates a strong desire and therefore ambition. The implications of such ambition elucidate the extremely negative effects of ambition on character by pushing Lady Macbeth to her logical extremes in terms of rationality, especially given the lack of morality present in her character. Shakespeare's tone reflects the theme of the play, that ambition is dangerous if there is no moral compass. The thematic significance of Lady Macbeth's dialogue lies in "danger", in this case, the implications of Macbeth's actions through Lady Macbeth's influence, an influence that exists only because of Lady Macbeth's lack of morality. This theme is further emphasized in Lady Macbeth's devastating sense of guilt in later scenes, when she is sleepwalking, a phase in which she can be true to herself, fully allowing herself freedom of expression, in which she declares: “Here is the smell of blood again: all the perfumes of Arabia will not soften this little hand. Oh, oh, oh!” Similar to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth's ambition is elucidated in her guilt, as it indicates mental damage and regret for her actions, which she now deems unnecessary and unjustified, seeing the consequences of her own ambition. The consequence associated with ambition reflects the theme as it shows the destruction caused by unchecked ambition, which in this scenario, is the crushing destruction of the psyche by Lady Macbeth's guilt. It can therefore be conclusively stated that ambition corrupted not only Macbeth's character, but also that of his wife, Lady Macbeth, as evidenced by his ardent intention to seize power by any means necessary and his descent further towards hysteria. Macbeth's theme that ambition brings danger and destruction once freed from moral constraints is elucidated through the effects of ambition on the story's protagonists, transitions from normal, benevolent individuals to people driven by their desire to claim power through anyone. means necessary, ultimately creating a sense of guilt in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Although the play presents ambition in a negative light, it would be irrational to assume that any form of ambition would be dangerous and destructive. Without the presence of such a trait, productivity in any environment would cease, as would all progression in society. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Overall, as all traits should, ambition must find balance with one's moral compass to truly thrive, but without this balance, the plot presented in Macbeth would serve no purpose...