The emanation of excessive aspirationIn the myth of Icarus, the famous artisan Daedalus and his son Icarus defied the gods in an act of pride by stealing, their mortal limits. Daedalus and his son flew using improvised wings made of feathers and wax. Daedalus warned his son not to fly too low or too high, otherwise the wings would be soaked by the waves or the wax would melt by the sun. However, young Icarus, filled with pride and ambition, while enjoying the act of flying, flew too high and the heat liquefied the wax that stuck the wings together. Icarus then dove into the Aegean Sea and drowned. (Shmoop Publishers) As the myth of Icarus shows, his youthful pride and ambition compelled him to desire more. He was aware of the consequences previously stated by his father, but he still opted for more. Like any other circumstance, excess ambition can be a detrimental trait. Ambition is a common thread depicted in both William Shakespeare's Macbeth and Arthur Miller's The Crucible, which can be distinguished in a variety of similar and opposite ways, such as ambition born from despair, instilled ambition and ambition for power. a common thread depicted in both Macbeth and The Crucible that can be distinguished in various similar and unfavorable ways, such as ambition arising from despair. In Macbeth, despair is a predominant trait that compels the characters to act ambitiously. An example of this desperation can be seen when a vindictive Macduff only desires Macbeth who deprived him of his family. “Oh, I could play the woman with my eyes/And the braggart with my tongue!” But, sweet heavens, / Cut all intermission short. Front to front/ Bring me that demon from Scotland...... middle of paper ...... can be distinguished in various similar and opposite ways such as ambition towards power. In retrospect, ambition is a common thread depicted in both Macbeth and The Crucible, which can be distinguished in a variety of similar and unfavorable ways, such as ambition from despair, instilled ambition, and ambition towards power . Miller and Shakespeare similarly expose the costs of excessive ambition. And although the consequences of the actions a person commits are often evaluated before the action is performed, why do people pursue such kismet anyway? Works Cited Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. New York: Penguin Group Penguin Books USA Inc. 1982. Print. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. New York: Washington Square Press. 1992.Print. Shmoop editorial team. “Summary of Daedalus and Icarus.” Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. April 7. 2014.