MACBETH: Ambition

Question 1

Summary of ambition regarding Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

Answer 1

Ambition is Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s hamartia. Their relentless pursuit of desires fuellled by an insatiable amount of ambition becomes the catalyst for their inevitable physical and mental collapse, ultimately culminating in their tragic downfall.

Question 2

How does ambition deceive characters?

Answer 2

Ambition deceives individuals into having the allusion that they can transcend social, political and divine constraints. However, this deceptive allure (pull) inevitably collides with the harsh reality of existence and the destiny set out for them by God (Divine Right of Kings)

Question 3

What are Shakespeare’s intentions in including the key theme of ambition?

Answer 3

-Ambition has a morally corrosive (downfall) and blinding influence (blinded by ambition) on individuals driven by self-fulfilling and egocentric (self-centred) ambitions
-Allows the audience to understand the inherent and ever changing human flaws
-Ambition easily justifies the brutal pursuit of power and violence
-He cautions his audience that succumbing to the allure of sinful temptations of ambition can lead to separation from God

Question 4

MACBETH- “Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’other” (1.7)

Answer 4

1) Personification- His ambition is omnipotent and therefore comparable to human force that can exert influence and corrupt his formerly innocent mind:

-‘Falls’- Macbeth is aware that his all-encompassing ambition is his hamartia
-Macbeth is a victim trapped by his own ambition showing his introspective understanding of its’ fatal consequences

2) Metaphor- Macbeth has no control or authority over his ambition almost like a jockey riding a powerful horse

-This metaphor could also showcase Macbeth’s self deception as he believes he is able to harness some control like he is able to transcend divine limitations

Question 5

MACBETH- “With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, towards his design” (2.1)