Topic > The Effects of Uncontrolled 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. This happens due to 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 has many difficulties to overcome in life, such as confusion, betrayal, disappointment, and acting against his moral beliefs due to his high ambitions. Ambition is the strong desire to do or achieve something, which typically requires determination, hard work, and a lot of sacrifice. That desire could enable you to achieve your goals or ultimately cause your death. Over the course of 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Because of his ambition, Macbeth's reputation is called into question forcing him to take drastic actions and lead to his own downfall. He is a very intellectual man, very well known for his great personality. But he realizes that his moral values ​​and reputation will be tested to the point that he will have no choice but to betray the people he loved and cared about: "Thinking would be great, art would not without ambition, but without illness accompanying him." .” Lady Macbeth makes us understand Macbeth's true character, which is that he would not betray those he is loyal to for his own gain. This is what is meant by “Too full of the milk of human kindness.” Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to abandon his moral values ​​to fully pursue his ambition for power. As Macbeth continues his journey to gain more power, he encounters many obstacles. The character of Macbeth is very well known for his decision-making skills, but during the play, as he is about to become king, he reaches a point of confusion due to his level of ambition. Macbeth's confusion became evident when he said, “For my sake, all causes will yield. I'm in the blood, I've entered so far that, if I never forded again, the return would be as boring as the outward journey. At this stage, Macbeth is trying to figure out all his confusion to make sure he is not in over his head. Hecate talks to the strange sisters for embarrassing him, and decides to make things even more confusing for Macbeth as she tries to steal the crown by showing him more visions. Macbeth is extremely overwhelmed by the situation he has brought himself into to the point where he cannot think for himself. Therefore, due to his desperation, he decides to visit the three witches to ask for their advice, but instead they get him into even more trouble. This shows that supremacy is never easy to achieve, but ambition and determination encourage Macbeth to move forward. Over time Macbeth becomes concerned about his character, his health, and his safety. This means he has to sacrifice, betray and go against his own character. Macbeth is completely desperate for the throne “I will take Macduff's castle, I will take Fife; Give to the sword his wife, his children and all the unfortunate souls who follow him in his lineage. Don't boast like a fool; I will do this action before this purpose cools down. But no more attractions! – Where are these gentlemen? Come, take me where.