Critical Essay - Macbeth - Character

Question 1

Step 1:

Answer 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.”

Question 2

Step 2:

Answer 2

Macbeth struggles to suppress his ambitious thoughts.

“Stars hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.”

Question 3

Step 3:

Answer 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.”

Question 4

Step 4:

Answer 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.”

Question 5

Step 5:

Answer 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.”