Ambition Flashcards
Macbeth
I have no spur ….. but only vaulting ambition
He has no real justification for killing Duncan only his vaulting ambition.
The metaphor comparing ambition to a horse which wont move unless it has been spurred.
he presents his ambition as a force that jumps to high and might ned up falling.
He is fully aware of the consequences of his actions.
Internal turmoil. moral hesitation, sympathy for Macbeth.
Shakespeare uses this to warn
against ambition.
Stars hide your fires let not light see my dark and deep desires.
Macbeths reaction to Duncan naming Malcolm as the heir to the throne. Asking darkness to cover up his evil thoughts.
Doesn’t want the world to see his ambition.
The contrast between light and darkness symbolizes the conflict between good and evil
Light = morality, dark = secrecy
The use of alliteration emphasises Macbeths craving for power. Foreshadows Macbeths future actions.
Shakespeare uses this to show how unchecked ambition can corrupt ones mind
Bring this fiend….within my swords length
Macduff is calling for a direct confrontation with Macbeth.
fiend = demonic creature. Dehumanizing Macbeth emphasizing Macbeths moral decay
Macduff’s bravery and eagerness to take revenge for his family.
sword = foreshadows the clash between Macbeth and Macduff(good and evil) highlighting Macduff’s courage.
The tone is full of anger, determination and justice highlighting Macduff’s uninterest in politics
.
Macduff’s words offer the hope of justice and moral resolution
Come you spirits….unsex me here
Calling upon the supernatural forces to strip her of her feminine qualities.
she is associating them with weakness, compassion and tenderness.
She wants to be consumed by cruelty to push Macbeth to kill Duncan.
the audience is shocked by her words.
Foreshadowing the supernatural elements to come and her own eventual psychological downfall
Speak then to me who neither begs nor fears/your favours…
He is neither begging for a prophecy nor afraid of what the might say or do.
Banquo is curious but cautious. Contrasts Macbeth as he refuses to be manipulated by them.
Controlled and composed tone, emotionally neutral. Audience see Banquo as trustworthy. Banquo’s controlled ambition, resistance to ambition
I fear thou play’dst most foully for’t
Privately reflecting on how Macbeth has become king as the witches predicted . Banquo suspects that Macbeth has achieved this not by chance but by foul play. The use of euphemism highlights Banquo’s inner turmoil as he suspects Macbeth but doesn’t accuse him outright. The use of Dramatic Irony creates tension as the audience begin to wonder if Banquo would confront Macbeth. Banquo’s suspicion foreshadows his own fate as Macbeth begins to see Banquo as a threat. Banquo’s words show how his ambition is more passive
Stay you imperfect speakers tell me more
Macbeth is shocked and intrigued by the words of the witches. he wants them to explain more.
imperfect speakers = they haven’t given him full explanations.
Pivotal moment in the play as the seed of ambition has been planted in his mind. Macbeth is commanding the witches, revealing a sense of urgency and desperation. The witches are not to be trusted yet Macbeth is eager to hear more from them. This line foreshadows Macbeth’s future obsession with the prophecy. Shakespeare uses this to show how Ambition can be manipulated by external factors.
I bear a charmed life, which must not yield/ To one of woman born
Macbeth believes he is invincible - because of the witches prophecy
Macbeth thinks he is protected by fate. The prophecy gives him false confidence and blinds him to reality. The audience might already be suspecting that the words of the witches were false, building tension. Foreshadows Macbeth’s downfall. His ambition and reliance on the witches has led to his down fall.
