Critical Essay - Macbeth - Character Flashcards
Step 1:
Witches plant the seed of ambition in Macbeth.
“By Finel’s death, I know I am of Glamis, But how of Cawdor? The thane of cawdor lives […] and to be king stands not within the prospect of belief.”
Step 2:
Macbeth struggles to suppress his ambitious thoughts.
“Stars hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.”
Step 3:
He now realises his ambition is his only motive.
“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other.”
Step 4:
Even after the deed is done, Macbeth wants more.
“To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo stick deep.”
Step 5:
Macbeth was not capable of living up to his unchecked ambition - leading to a tragic end.
“Now he does feel his title hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief.”