Themes in Macbeth - Ambition

?
View mindmap
  • Themes in Macbeth - Ambition
    • Main theme
      • It motivates Macbeth to commit horrendous deeds - he changes from "valiant" soldier to "dead butcher"
      • Shows how ambition can be dangerous - Macbeth considers the morality of murdering Duncan a long time before he finally does, but doesn't hesitate before having Banquo killed.
      • Once Macbeth killed Duncan, he finds that he needs to kill more and more people to secure his position. This shows ambition can make people ruthless and selfish.
      • Ambition eventually leads to the downfall of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeht. Macbeth kills for the throne, and is killed to restore the rightfull king. LAdy \Macbeht goes mad with power and dies. The play is a warning against unchecked ambition that isn't governed by morals or reason.
    • Macbeth's 'fatal flaw'
      • In Greek tragedies, the hero would have one characteristic that would eventually lead to their downfall
      • At the beginning  he's a hero - Duncan calls him "brave"
      • Macbeth is reluctant to kill Duncan, which shows he had morals. However this also shows how strong this ambition is - he is willing to act against him morals for his ambition.
      • It makes him act against his better judgment. He knows it often "o'erleaps itself / And falls" - can lead to a person leaping too high and losing everything - foreshadows Macbeth's own downfall. By the end, he's a "tyrant" and has lost everything.
    • Ambition can be good or bad
      • Not everyone is corrupted by their ambition like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. It can be a positive thing if it's motivated by a desire to help others.
      • Malcolm and Macduff are ambitious for their country. They want to take Macbeth's power away, but for the good of their country, not for their own personal gain.
      • Banquo is ambitious for his son once he's heard the Witches' prophecies, but doesn't act violently on his ambition like Macbeth does.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar English Literature resources:

See all English Literature resources »See all Macbeth resources »