2. Notes: Ambition Theme Flashcards
What is ambition in the context of the play?
One of the strongest themes in the play, acting as the driving force behind Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s behavior. It aligns with the Greek tragedy concept of hubris, where overreaching ambition leads to the hero’s downfall.
How does Macbeth’s character change due to his ambition?
He transforms from a well-respected, loyal, and honest man into someone vain and driven by ambition, leading him to murder anyone he perceives as a threat to his rule.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘vaulting ambition’?
He refers to his ambition as something that leaps over obstacles, like a living being with a dangerous potential to cause his downfall. It suggests the immense and uncontrollable nature of his ambition. IT IS A METAPHOR
Even after becoming king, how does Macbeth’s ambition continue to affect him?
He doesn’t feel satisfied with achieving his initial ambition and continues his violent actions until the end of the play, driven by a relentless need to secure his position.
How is Lady Macbeth’s ambition portrayed in comparison to Macbeth’s initially?
She is depicted as equally, if not more, ambitious than her husband and takes the lead in planning Duncan’s murder, showing a greater determination to pursue her ambitions.
What does Lady Macbeth’s quote ‘make thick my blood stop up the access and passage to remorse’ reveal about her ambition?
It shows her willingness to discard her morals and suppress any feelings of regret in order to achieve her ambition. She believes ignoring right and wrong is the only way to greatness.
How does the strength of Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s ambition evolve throughout the play?
Macbeth’s ambition grows stronger as the play progresses, while Lady Macbeth’s weakens, ultimately leading to her downfall.
According to your notes, what is Shakespeare’s purpose in presenting ambition as a theme?
Shakespeare portrays ambition as a weakness rather than a strength when it becomes excessive and controls a person’s thoughts and actions, ultimately leading to tragedy.
What does Shakespeare suggest about the nature of unchecked ambition through Macbeth’s actions?
Macbeth’s original ambition to become king becomes distorted into a relentless quest for power, showing how ambition can corrupt and lead to further destructive desires.
What warning does Shakespeare give the audience regarding ambition, using the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
Shakespeare alerts the audience to the evils of driving ambition and the dangers of ignoring moral principles and divine wisdom in its pursuit.
