Power And Ambition In Macbeth - 746 Words

The bloodstained tragedy of Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, captures the destructive physical and psychological effects ambition can cause on those seeking power for individual benefit. The play focuses on Macbeth, a heroic Scottish general, who encounters a trio of witches who prophesied that Macbeth will become the King of Scotland. Absorbed in ambition and motivation from his wife, Macbeth does the unthinkable for the Scottish throne – murders King Duncan. Marking the inception of Macbeth’s murderous and immoral actions for ambition, the tyrannical reign of Macbeth begins as he strives to protect himself from hostility and suspicion. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are immersed in the realm of bloodshed, madness and looming death; who†¦show more content†¦Macbeth’s â€Å"valiant† and â€Å"worthy† feats in the civil war evidently exemplify the â€Å"fair† witches view as â€Å"foul†. (i,ii,26)(i,i,11) Thus, they have the desire to convert his noble qualities into those of evil – essentially their twisted idea of virtue. Consequently, the trio are aware of the effect their encounter with Macbeth would have on his future, yet, they do not prevent it from transpiring. The weird sisters’ intentions reinforce the idea of the use of deception to satisfy ambitions. Although Macbeth is known to be the ambitious figure in the plot, the witches too possess this quality and use their powers to fulfil their purpose. The weird sisters’ plans to act upon knowledge of the foreboding future which ultimately prompts Macbeth’s descent into a series of bloodshed, significantly contributes to the influence of his downfall. Shakespeare incorporates the three witches’ fortune telling abilities to activate Macbeth’s ambition. The second appearance of the weird sisters emphasise their tremendous, utterly wicked supernatural powers as they present Macbeth and Banquo with their respective prophecies. Greeted with three prophecies from the weird sisters, Macbeth is â€Å"rapt withal† and believes the prophecies they present as two were already fulfilled, whilst Banquo was amused by the predictions but not convinced they were reliable. (†¦) Fixated on the prediction â€Å"that [he] shalt be king hereafter†, after much hesitation, Macbeth decides to act upon theShow MoreRelatedPower And Ambition In Macbeth871 Words   |  4 PagesPower is something one can find in all aspects of life. Whether in a relationship between two people or over an entire country, many people hold power in their lives. What is done with that power is up to the person who holds it and can be a strong ref lection of their character. 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