Ambition the Key to Self-Destruction - 911 Words

Ambition: The key to self-destruction Ambition is normally seen as a positive quality in an individual, but it can in fact spiral out of control. In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, readers witness this exact situation; ambition is what leads to Macbeth’s destruction. This trait can also be referred to as his hamartia. The dangerous growth of ambition begins when the witches present to him a prophecy, continues when Lady Macbeth pushes him until, finally, he has built up enough to drive himself to destruction. To begin with, the first instance in which ambition presents a danger is when Macbeth gets encouraged by the witches’ supernatural promises. After he hears the witches declare that he will be named Thane of Cawdor and â€Å"shalt†¦show more content†¦He still wants more and this is seen when he states, â€Å"Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown. And put a barren sceptre in my grip, thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand. No son of mine succeeding (†¦)† (III. i. 62-65). It is seen here that Macbeth is not satisfied with what he has attained and still wants more: he wants to have sons that can take over being King after him. This is a perfect example of how ambition took over in him. At the end, Macduff recognises this. He gets revenge and puts an end to his thriftless ambition and tyranny by killing him. This is explicitly stated at the very end when he declares, â€Å"Behold where stands / The usurper’s cursà ¨d head. The time is free. † (V. ix. 21-22). If Macbeth had really let â€Å"chance have him king† (I. iii. 142) and â€Å"chance crown him, without his stir†(I. iii. 142-143), and kept his ambition at a healthier level, then the events would not have led to Macduff killing him. With all this in mind, one can clearly see that ambition is Macbeth’s tragic flaw that leads to his downfall. Beginning with the witches introducing him to the extent of his ambitions, continuing with Lady Macbeth’s encouragement, leading to Macbeth’s dangerous self-driven ambition, the story ends in his death. Ambition was his hamartia. It looks like ambition is not the key to all success after all. Work Cited Shakespeare, William.Show MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth And The Human Condition1292 Words   |  6 Pageshuman condition, the key characteristics and ideals that compose the essentials of human existence, in his works is a testimony to his own successes. Today, we will be looking at how the themes and concepts presented in Shakespeare’s Macbeth are able to transcend time and place, maintaining relevance in the 21st century, through his accurate representations of the human condition itself. This will be completed through the extended analysis of the destructive nature of ambition presented in the playRead MoreSister Carrie and the American Dream1618 Words   |  7 Pagesof â€Å"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness† but it is above all, a matter of ambition. James Truslow Adams, an American writer and historian, in 1931 states: life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement†, which not only points towards a better standard of living for Americans but also denounces a degree of greed in the US society. Ambition not only â€Å"killed the cat† but killed relationships as well in texts like SisterRead MoreTragic Hero in William Shakespeare ´s Macbeth1014 Words   |  4 PagesMacbeth portrays a amiable characteristic of ambition and yet causes self destruction as he knows the clear difference between right and wrong, choosing the latter every time, allowing a lack of support from the audience and inner paranoia. Although Shakespeare’s Macbeth embodies a characteristic worthy of admiration, he also embodies a tragic flaw, resulting in his own downfall. Macbeth possesses ambition, often a positive characteristic. Such ambition revolves around the battle as the King praisesRead MoreMacbeth Essay1155 Words   |  5 Pagesvarious weaknesses. His sensitivity to his feelings of insecurity which was played upon by the witches, how his manhood was attacked by Lady Macbeth, his drive for ambition and his fear of guilt greatly contributed to the destruction and transformation of Macbeth that lead him off course in the end. Macbeth’s desire for power plays a key role in the way he carry outs the most monstrous acts. Selfishly, Macbeth puts his own desires before the good of his country until he is reduced to a mere coveringRead MoreMacbeth As A Tragic Hero1685 Words   |  7 Pagesto their own ruin or destruction. Within Macbeth, Macbeth the character is regarded as a tragic hero, but wi th the distinct and evident explanation of his evil and the succession of his acts of violence, it may not be as clear cut as to whether he is a tragic hero or not. Though Macbeth does commit an error that leads to his eventual destruction, he knows that his judgement is evil and he is aware of the nature of the deed that he wishes to commit in order to reach his ambitions. His knowledge of theRead MoreMacbeth by William Shakespeare1052 Words   |  4 Pagesuncontrolled power to possess her and prevented her from reaching her potential greatness. She has strayed from her naturally assigned gender role which has upset the Great Chain of Being. Victims of an inverted chain of being, are doomed for self destruction. Lady Macbeth asked to be more masculine because she believed that femininity was useless for power. But when she achieved power, it was too much and she became possessed, which resulted in her ultimate downfall. Lady Macbeth upset the GreatRead More Fitzgeralds Exploration of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby702 Words   |  3 Pageshistory, The Jazz Age. The Twenties were a time of social experiments, self-indulgence, and dissatisfaction for majority of Americans. Fitzgerald depicts all these characteristics throughout the novel with his interesting themes, settings, and characters. The most elaborate and symbolic character Fitzgerald presents to his readers is Jay Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby as a vehicle to explore the idea of The American Dream, which was a key element in shaping American society and it’s citizens. FitzgeraldRead MoreMarcus Brutus: The Tragic Hero Of Julius Ceasar972 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeare develops Marcus Brutus as the Tragic Hero whose ambition and naivety in his blind confidence in the nobility of man sparked guidance in a series of events which inevitably forced him to succumb to self destruction. First and foremost Brutus is the Tragic Hero of the play as has been said. Now with the title of Tragic hero comes a weakness, a tragic flaw in the characters personality. One of these tragic flaws includes Brutus’ ambition. Like for instance, when he joined the conspirators he Read MoreMacbeth Villain Analysis877 Words   |  4 Pagesend costing his own life. A tragic hero can be defined as a character who rises to power, fame, wealth, or something of the like, but makes a terrible judgement error or possesses a major flaw in their character that inevitably leads to their self destruction. Macbeth fits these standards with his performance in Macbeth because his evil desires and twisted ways of thinking caused him to believe that if he had the power of King, his life would be fulfilled; therefore, leading him to do whatever itRead MoreThe Film Crash, Directed By Paul Haggis974 Words   |  4 Pagessetting, and even the music. By the end of the movie, the audience is left with a feeling of hope and an ambition to examine its own thought and actions towards others. Even though critics argue that the film Crash is stereotypically racist, the film encourages America to see past the misbelief we have of each other because empathy and self-examination is the starting place for change and the destruction of society is based on one’s cho ices. Racism, prejudice and stereotyping, as the main themes of the