Ambition in Macbeth Flashcards
What is the evidence that Macbeth is less ambitious than his wife
“We will proceed no further in this business” - Wants to stop his murderous plan
What quote shows Macbeth recognising the immortality of his ambition?
“Stars hide your fires, let not see my black and deep desires”
What is the evidence that Macbeth even suspects killing Duncan will cause his own downfall?
“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition which overleaps itself and falls onto the other”
What quotes show that Shakespeare conveys the message that unconstrained ambition will have dire consequences?
“Life’s a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing” + LM “Naught’s had, all’s spent, where our desire is got without consent” - desire will ultimately cost them both their lives
How does Macduff’s ambition contrast with Macbeths at the end?
“Let me find him, fortune, and more I beg not” - Macduff’s ambition is purely to avenge his family
