Key Quotations For The Theme Of Ambition Flashcards
Analyse the quote “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other”
-Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 7)
Macbeth acknowledges that he lacks a legitimate reason—such as duty, loyalty, or morality—to commit regicide, suggesting he would not naturally pursue such a path without external pressure. However, he immediately contradicts this by admitting he possesses “only vaulting ambition”, which conveys the reckless nature of his desire for power. The verb “o’erleaps” implies overconfidence, as if his ambition propels him too far, causing him to lose control. “Falls on the other” foreshadows his downfall, showing that ambition, rather than securing success, leads to destruction. Despite recognizing this danger, Macbeth allows ambition to dictate his actions, marking his final hesitation before committing to Duncan’s murder and sealing his tragic fate.
Analyse the quote “to be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus”
-Macbeth, (Act 3, Scene 1)
Reveals his growing paranoia and the insatiable nature of ambition. He realizes that mere kingship is meaningless without security, shown in “to be thus is nothing”, which dismisses his current status as worthless. The repetition of “thus” highlights his obsessive focus on power, while “safely” suggests that ambition breeds paranoia, making him see threats everywhere—especially in Banquo. This marks a turning point: Macbeth no longer needs Lady Macbeth’s persuasion; he now independently plots murder. Shakespeare presents ambition as self-perpetuating—power fuels the fear of losing it, leading to moral decay and destruction.
Analyse the quote “Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires”
-Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 4)
Reveals Macbeth’s inner conflict as he grapples with his growing ambition. The contrast between “stars” (a symbol of fate, guidance, and the divine) and “black and deep desires” (representing his immoral ambitions) highlights the tension between morality and unchecked ambition. The imperative “hide” suggests Macbeth’s desperation to conceal his thoughts, showing that he is aware of their sinful nature but is still drawn to them.
The reference to “light” and “black” reflects the play’s broader theme of appearance versus reality, as Macbeth seeks to mask his true intentions. The personification of “light” as an all-seeing force suggests that Macbeth fears divine judgment, reinforcing the idea that ambition leads him to defy natural and moral order. Shakespeare presents ambition as something inherently corrupting—it pushes Macbeth to suppress his conscience, setting him on the path to regicide and eventual downfall.
Analyse the quote “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 5)
Reveals her rejection of traditional femininity in pursuit of power. The imperative “come” suggests urgency and determination, as she actively calls upon supernatural forces to strip her of qualities associated with womanhood, such as compassion and weakness. The phrase “unsex me” reflects how she views gender as an obstacle to ambition, equating femininity with passivity and masculinity with cruelty and strength.
The reference to “spirits” aligns her with the supernatural, foreshadowing her later descent into madness and guilt. Shakespeare presents ambition as so consuming that it leads Lady Macbeth to defy societal and natural order, demonstrating the corrupting influence of unchecked power. However, her later downfall—marked by guilt-induced insanity—suggests that despite her rejection of femininity, she cannot fully escape her humanity. This reinforces the play’s theme that ambition, when pursued without moral restraint, leads to self-destruction.
Analyse the quote “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 5)
Epitomises the theme of deception in Macbeth and highlights her manipulative nature. The contrast between “innocent flower” and “serpent” reflects the play’s central motif of appearance versus reality, emphasizing the idea that Macbeth must present himself as harmless while secretly harboring deadly intentions. The imagery of the “serpent” evokes biblical allusions to the Garden of Eden, linking Macbeth’s ambition to original sin and foreshadowing his moral downfall.
The imperative “look like” reinforces Lady Macbeth’s control over Macbeth, as she instructs him in the art of deception. This moment marks a shift in their relationship—Lady Macbeth takes on a dominant role, pushing Macbeth toward regicide. Shakespeare presents ambition as inherently deceptive, showing that those who seek power must manipulate and betray to achieve their goals. However, this reliance on deceit ultimately leads to paranoia and destruction, as Macbeth becomes trapped in a cycle of violence, unable to distinguish allies from enemies.
Analyse the quote “When you durst do it, then you were a man”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 7)
A masterful manipulation of Macbeth, using masculinity as a weapon to fuel his ambition. The verb “durst” (dared) suggests that true manhood is defined by boldness and action, implying that Macbeth’s hesitation to kill Duncan makes him weak. This challenges the traditional concept of masculinity, reducing it to ruthless ambition and violence rather than honor or integrity.
By framing murder as a test of manhood, Lady Macbeth exploits Macbeth’s insecurities, pushing him toward regicide. Shakespeare presents ambition as something that not only consumes individuals but is also fueled by external pressures. Lady Macbeth’s influence reveals how ambition can be manufactured, showing that power is often pursued not out of personal desire alone, but due to societal and relational expectations. However, the irony is that once Macbeth embraces this brutal version of masculinity, he surpasses Lady Macbeth in cruelty, ultimately leaving her powerless and consumed by guilt.
Analyse the quote “For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; / For them, the gracious Duncan have I murdered, / Put rancours in the vessel of my peace, / Only for them, and mine eternal jewel / Given to the common enemy of man, / To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings. / Rather than so, come Fate into the list, / And champion me to th’utterance.”
-Macbeth, (Act 3 Scene 1)
through his recognition that he has “filed [his] mind” (corrupted his soul) for Banquo’s heirs rather than his own gain. The metaphor “Put rancours in the vessel of my peace” reinforces his mental torment, as he realizes that seizing power has only poisoned his mind.
Religious imagery in “mine eternal jewel / Given to the common enemy of man” suggests Macbeth knows he has damned his soul by murdering Duncan. Yet his challenge to fate—“come Fate into the list, / And champion me to th’utterance”—shows his desperate defiance, despite once trusting the witches. His obsessive repetition of “them” highlights his spiraling paranoia, marking his shift from ambitious nobleman to ruthless tyrant, ultimately ensuring his downfall.
Analyse the quote “The king-becoming graces - / As justice, verity, temp’rance, stableness, / Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, / Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude - / I have no relish of them, but abound / In the division of each several crime, / Acting it many ways.”
-Malcolm, (Act 4 Scene 3)
Here, Shakespeare contrasts true kingship with tyranny through Malcolm’s speech. The “king-becoming graces”—justice, truth, temperance, and other virtues—represent the ideal ruler, embodying moral strength and selflessness. The long, rhythmic list emphasizes the weight of these qualities, making Macbeth’s failings even starker.
Malcolm’s claim, “I have no relish of them”, is shocking, as he rejects every virtue, suggesting he would be a worse ruler than Macbeth. However, this is a test of Macduff’s loyalty. The phrase “abound / In the division of each several crime” implies excess and fragmentation, showing how tyranny distorts morality. “Acting it many ways” suggests that a corrupt ruler doesn’t just sin but indulges in every possible form of vice. Shakespeare highlights the theme of kingship versus tyranny, showing how a true leader should embody virtue, whereas Macbeth embodies chaos and moral decay.
Analyse the quote “wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’s the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 7)
Lady Macbeth is manipulating Macbeth by calling him a coward, asking him if he’ll take what he desperately wants or live in regret and cowardice. She’s attacking his masculinity, making him feel insecure and wanting to prove himself. ‘Ornament of life’ is worded in a way to sound so prestigious and valuable that Macbeth will want to have it.
Analyse the quote “The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, pays itself.”
-Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 4)
The quote shows Macbeth lying to Duncan, claiming that he’s entirely loyal to him. It’s dramatic irony because the audience knows that Macbeth has began to consider the murder of Duncan, but he’s presenting himself as a faithful subject. It reflects the expected feudal duty and respect from Jacobean times.
Analyse the quote “thou wouldst be great, art not without ambition but without the illness should attend it”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 5)
Lady Macbeth is reading Macbeths letter, and believes that he lacks the ruthless nature required to seize the throne. Illness is a metaphor for the cruelty and lack of conscience needed to achieve power, highlighting the contrast between ambition and morality.
Analyse the quote “yet I do fear they nature, it is too full o’th’milk of human kindness”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 5)
Milk represented purity, innocence, compassion, tenderness, which lady Macbeth sees as a weakness.
Lady Macbeth questions Macbeths masculinity and ability to commit murder.
Macbeths inherent goodness will prevent him from achieving greatness.
Analyse the quote “that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies”
-Macbeth, (Act 1, Scene 4)
Macbeth sees Malcom being heir as an obstacle between him and the throne.
Macbeth acknowledges that this ‘step’ would mean abandoning his morality, a point of no return, but must be climbed to achieve his ambition.
Analyse the quote “pour my spirits in thine ear”
-Lady Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 5)
Lady Macbeth is saying that she will use her evil to make Macbeth evil in order to achieved both of their ambitions. She’ll give him her cruelty and heartlessness.
Analyse the quote “…security is mortal’s chief’s enemy”
-Hecate, (Act 3, Scene 5)
Suggests Macbeths over confidence, too comfortable as king
Hecate says if humans no longer have fears, it will lead to their downfall
His fatal flaw
