Essay about Driving Ambition in Shakespeares Macbeth

Ambition can be defined as the desire and willingness to strive towards achievement or distinction. On the contrary, driving ambition is the outright desire to achieve a certain goal, regardless of any possible consequences. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, driving ambition caused Macbeth and his wife to murder King Duncan because of their desire for power. In an attempt to retain his power Macbeth also murdered Banquo and Macduff’s family. Through both of these cruel actions, Macbeth and his wife displayed that they are not concerned about the cost of the deed, but only final result that is achieved. This not only results in their downfall, but also has many harmful consequences to other characters. In Macbeth, Shakespeare suggests†¦show more content†¦Macbeth believes that â€Å"To be safely thus: our fears in Banquo / Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature / Reigns that which would be feare’d†¦ There is none but he / Whose being I do fe ar† (III, i, 53-59). Macbeth is suspicious that Banquo will expose him for murdering Duncan. This could occur because Banquo is the only other person who knows about the witches’ prophecies, and Banquo has always been loyal to King Duncan. Therefore, Macbeth arranges Banquo’s murder in order to eliminate the possibility of being connected to the murder of King Duncan; this would result in Macbeth losing his position as king. In order to maintain his goal of being king, Macbeth’s driving ambition causes him to murder one of his closest comrades. Macbeth consults with the witches regarding his future because of his driving ambition to remain as King of Scotland. Macbeth is fearful of losing his title as king, so he consults with the witches, who are believed to have the ability of prophesy. Contrary to most kings, such as King Edward of England, Macbeth consulted with evil spirits instead of with God. Macbeth confronted the witches and told them â€Å"I conjure you, by that which you profess, / Howe’er you come to know it, answer me: / Though you untie the winds and let them fight / Against the churches†¦Even till destruction sicken; answer me / To what I ask you† (IV, i, 51-62). Macbeth would rather have churches destroyedShow MoreRelated Shakespeares Macbeth - Renaissance Humanism Essay1494 Words   |  6 Pagespresent in Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth assume the role of supernatural beings, it was not Shakespeare’s intent to portray a classic case of fatalism. On the contrary, Shakespea re used Macbeth as a way to display the idea of Renaissance humanism. Although the witches did in fact possess uncanny powers, they were in reality not controlling Macbeth, but rather they were tempting Macbeth to act in particular ways. 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