Macbeth A Tale of Ambition
Meyers 1
Matthew Meyers
Solomon AP English
Period 7
1/7/15
Macbeth: A Tale of Ambition Within Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth, there are many strange forces and facets of human nature at work, weaving the classic store of a tragically fallen “King” with his wife at his side, and how evil is vanquished and good and justice shall prevail. Ambition, driven by less subtle notes of greed and self-worth, press a rising Macbeth, already rising through the ranks with his brave actions, to commit heinous actions and brutal murders, all in the name of progression in life. But is this the only reason? Was Macbeth even the only character whom the curse of blind ambition laid its grip upon? In The Tragedy of Macbeth, ambition is the key force driving the main character's action, fed by his wanting to succeed, fulfill his destiny, and “provide” for his wife and define his masculinity for his wife, ultimately leading to his inevitable downfall. Ambition also leads the malicious Lady Macbeth to her ultimate demise, feeding off of her want of power, security, and a way to prove herself, in her husbands ascension to the highest crown. The theme of reckless and “blind” ambition is a very profound and constant one found throughout literature, and especially in the works of Shakespeare. From Jay Gatsby's ambitious facade to impress Daisy, to Abigail Williams in her quest for John Proctor, ambition is a natural human facet that drives people to do unscrupulous and heinous acts. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth's ambition is stemmed from multiple sources, a major source being his natural want for power and success. Unhae Langis compares Macbeth's ambition to that of Greek tragic heroes, stating Macbeth possesses a “hamartia of ambition,” this being accurate as Shakespeare infused Greek aspects into his writings. Langis later goes on to explain how Macbeth's ambition stemmed from his simple greediness of wanting worldly power, to obtain his ultimate goal of success.
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Matthew Meyers
Solomon AP English
Period 7
1/7/15
Macbeth: A Tale of Ambition Within Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth, there are many strange forces and facets of human nature at work, weaving the classic store of a tragically fallen “King” with his wife at his side, and how evil is vanquished and good and justice shall prevail. Ambition, driven by less subtle notes of greed and self-worth, press a rising Macbeth, already rising through the ranks with his brave actions, to commit heinous actions and brutal murders, all in the name of progression in life. But is this the only reason? Was Macbeth even the only character whom the curse of blind ambition laid its grip upon? In The Tragedy of Macbeth, ambition is the key force driving the main character's action, fed by his wanting to succeed, fulfill his destiny, and “provide” for his wife and define his masculinity for his wife, ultimately leading to his inevitable downfall. Ambition also leads the malicious Lady Macbeth to her ultimate demise, feeding off of her want of power, security, and a way to prove herself, in her husbands ascension to the highest crown. The theme of reckless and “blind” ambition is a very profound and constant one found throughout literature, and especially in the works of Shakespeare. From Jay Gatsby's ambitious facade to impress Daisy, to Abigail Williams in her quest for John Proctor, ambition is a natural human facet that drives people to do unscrupulous and heinous acts. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth's ambition is stemmed from multiple sources, a major source being his natural want for power and success. Unhae Langis compares Macbeth's ambition to that of Greek tragic heroes, stating Macbeth possesses a “hamartia of ambition,” this being accurate as Shakespeare infused Greek aspects into his writings. Langis later goes on to explain how Macbeth's ambition stemmed from his simple greediness of wanting worldly power, to obtain his ultimate goal of success.
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