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Essay / The Effects of Unchecked Ambition in Shakespeare's Macbeth
Ambition plays a dominant role in driving a certain course of action in people's daily lives, socially and personally. It is through peer pressure, determination to achieve a certain goal or self-superiority. “Uncontrolled ambition is often at odds with conscience. In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, the constant friction between his ambition and his conscience systematically destroys any moral compass he had. In the play Macbeth published by William Shakespeare in 1623, the character Macbeth faces many difficulties in life, such as confusion, betrayal, disappointment, and acting against his moral beliefs in because of his great ambitions. Ambition is the strong desire to do or achieve something, which usually requires determination, hard work, and a lot of sacrifice. This desire could allow you to achieve your goals, or ultimately cause your demise. Throughout the play, Macbeth faced many obstacles in his quest for leadership, which helped shape his character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay Due to his ambition, Macbeth's reputation is called into question, forcing him to take drastic action and leading to his own fall. He is a very intellectual man, well known for his great personality. But he realizes that his moral values and his reputation will be called into question to the point that he will have no choice but to betray the people he loved and cared for: "The thought would be great, l Art not without ambition, but without illness should accompany it. .” Lady Macbeth gives us the understanding of Macbeth's true character, who would not betray those he is loyal to for his gain. This is what “Too full of the milk of human kindness” means. Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to abandon his moral values in order to fully pursue his ambition for power. As Macbeth continues his journey for more power, he encounters many obstacles. The character of Macbeth is very well known for his decision making, but during the play, while he was in the process of becoming king, he reached a point of confusion due to his level of ambition. Macbeth's confusion became evident when he said, "For my own good all causes shall yield." I'm in the blood. I have gone so far that if I did not flounder any more, coming back would be as tedious as leaving. At this point, Macbeth tries to understand all of his confusion in order to make sure that he is not in over his head. Hecate talks to the strange sisters for embarrassing him, and he decides to make things even more confusing for Macbeth as he attempts to steal the crown by showing him more visions. Macbeth is extremely overwhelmed by the situation he has put himself in to the point where he can no longer think for himself. Therefore, he decides to visit the three witches in order to ask them for advice due to his despair, but instead they put him in even more trouble. This shows that supremacy is never easy to achieve, but ambition and drive encourage Macbeth to continue. As time passes, Macbeth becomes concerned for his character, health, and safety. Which means he must sacrifice, betray and go against his own character. Macbeth is completely desperate for the throne. “I will surprise Macduff Castle, capture Fife; give to the edge of the sword his wife, his children and all the unfortunate souls who follow him in his lineage. Don't brag like a fool; This act I will do.