IndexIntroductionThe impact of ambition on MacbethAmbition in the life of Lady MacbethConclusionReferencesIntroductionAmbition, defined as the fervent desire to achieve a goal or complete a task, is often considered a desirable trait, as it is commonly believed to stimulate productivity and improve quality of life. However, like all human traits, ambition must be balanced with rational thinking; otherwise, it can corrupt an individual's character. This consequence of unbalanced ambition is explored thoroughly by the legendary poet and playwright William Shakespeare, in his play “Macbeth”. The play revolves around Macbeth's character's descent into malevolence as he succumbs to the primal desires associated with ambition, ultimately committing murder. Through analyzing the effects of uncontrolled ambition on his dynamic protagonists, Shakespeare conveys the message that ambition, when separated from a sense of morality, can lead to the degradation of one's character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Impact of Ambition on Macbeth The impact of ambition on the character of Macbeth is a great example of how it can corrupt the purity of an individual. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth receives three prophecies from three mysterious figures, the witches, one of which predicts his future kingship. These prophecies ignite ambition in Macbeth, driving him to pursue his supposedly rightful throne by taking the life of his companion, King Duncan. Although the actual murder is not explicitly described in the play, Macbeth's bold declaration, "I have done the deed," leaves no doubt about his actions. Free from his moral compass, Macbeth's act of regicide illustrates how unbridled ambition can corrupt an individual. Initially torn by moral dilemmas, Macbeth eventually succumbs to the desire for power and commits the murder of King Duncan. This nefarious act sets in motion a chain of further atrocities, such as the order to assassinate his friend Banquo. It becomes apparent that Macbeth's ambition has driven him to madness. In describing these actions, Shakespeare offers a concrete, if fictional, illustration of the consequences of giving in to one's desires without considering the moral consequences, namely the descent into madness. Furthermore, Macbeth's change in attitude is marked by a growing inclination towards aggression. and violence as a means to achieve his goals. He no longer uses the calculating approach he displayed at the beginning of the story, untainted by thoughts of murder and malevolence. Fearing Banquo's prophecies of rising to power, Macbeth orders two assassins to kill him, declaring, "It is concluded. Banquo, the flight of thy soul, if it finds heaven, must find it to-night." This quote exemplifies the malevolence that has taken root in Macbeth's character following his exposure to prophecy and his subsequent increase in ambition. His new persona, depicted as evil, stands in stark contrast to his previous self, docile and benevolent, indicating the corruption of his character in the absence of moral restraints. Macbeth's ambition results in the appearance of Banquo's ghost, a manifestation of his remorse and the culmination of the damage inflicted on his mental state solely by ambition. This example of moral corruption and deterioration of character is in line with the central theme of the play: ambition, if not controlled by moral boundaries, leads to destruction. Macbeth's character transformation and moral decay illustrate this theme, as he goes from a once benevolent individual to a rulertyrannical consumed by malevolence. Ambition in Lady Macbeth's LifeAmbition plays a similar role in the corruption of Lady Macbeth's character and her actions. Being the one who provokes and ignites Macbeth's ambition to greater heights, forcing him to kill his companions and dearest friends, ambition had a similar effect in corrupting Lady Macbeth's character by instilling in her the desire to seize power. Intense longing is shown in his verses: “Was the hope in which you dressed yourself drunk? Has he slept since then? And now you wake him up, to look so green and pale for what he did so freely?” Since Lady Macbeth alone is unable to take power, she degrades and convinces Macbeth to commit his actions, which leads to his deterioration of character. Lady Macbeth's diction, more specifically the informal tone and brevity of her lines, also implies a sense of urgency, which in itself indicates a strong desire and therefore ambition. The implications of such ambition clarify the extremely negative effects of ambition on one's character, taking Lady Macbeth to her logical extremes in terms of rationality, especially given the lack of morals present in her character. Shakespeare's tone equates to the theme of the play, which is that ambition is dangerous if there is no moral compass. The thematic meaning of Lady Macbeth's dialogue lies in "danger", in this case represented by the implications of Macbeth's actions through Lady Macbeth's influence, an influence that exists solely because of Lady Macbeth's lack of morality. This theme is further emphasized in Lady Macbeth's devastating sense of guilt in the following scenes, when she is sleepwalking, a phase in which she can be true to herself, allowing herself full freedom of expression, in which she states: “Here is the smell of blood again: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh!”. Similar to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth's ambition is clarified in her guilt, as this indicates mental damage and remorse for her actions, which she now deems unnecessary and unjustified, seeing the consequences of her own ambition. The consequence associated with ambition reflects the theme as it shows the destruction caused by uncontrolled ambition, which in this scenario is the overwhelming destruction of the psyche caused by Lady Macbeth's guilt. It can therefore be conclusively stated that ambition not only corrupted Macbeth's character, but also that of his wife, Lady Macbeth, as evidenced by his ardent intent to seize power by any means necessary and his subsequent fall into 'hysteria.ConclusionIn conclusion, Macbeth's theme that ambition brings with it danger and destruction when unhindered by moral constraints is clarified through the effects that ambition has on the story's protagonists, from the transition from normal individuals and benevolent to people driven by the desire to claim power from any side means necessary, ultimately creating a sense of guilt in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Although the play depicts ambition in a negative light, it would be irrational to assume that any form of ambition would be dangerous and destructive. Without the presence of this trait, productivity in any environment would cease, as would any progress in society. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Overall, as all traits should , ambition needs to find a balance with one's moral compass to truly thrive, but without this balance, the plot presented in Macbeth would serve as an indication of what is to come. References Shakespeare, W. (1623). Macbeth...