Macbeth - Ambition Flashcards
“I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only________
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself.” – Act 1, Scene 7 - Macbeth
Analysis: Macbeth admits that his only driving force for murder is his “vaulting ambition.” This reveals how his desire for power is so intense that it leads him to act without considering the consequences. The idea of ambition “o’erleaping itself” suggests that unchecked ambition can lead to one’s downfall, as Macbeth’s eventually does.
“I dare do all that may become a man; /_____
Who dares do more is none.”
Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 7) Analysis: Here, Macbeth initially tries to justify his hesitancy to kill Duncan by suggesting that a man should only do what is right, and nothing more. He is wrestling with his own sense of honor and morality. However, Lady Macbeth challenges him, accusing him of being unmanly if he does not act on his ambition. This moment illustrates how ambition distorts Macbeth’s sense of what it means to be a man and compels him to abandon his moral compass in favor of achieving his desires.
“Stars, hide your fires; /___________
/ Let not light see my black and deep desires.”
Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 4) Analysis: Macbeth speaks these lines after hearing of Malcolm's appointment as the heir to the throne. He wishes to conceal his "black and deep desires" from the world, meaning his dark ambition to kill Duncan and seize the throne. This quote shows how ambition leads Macbeth to hide his true intentions, reflecting the moral corruption that begins to take hold of him. He realizes that to fulfill his ambition, he must be deceptive and dishonest, setting the stage for his further moral decline.
“I have bought / Golden opinions from all sorts of people, / Which would be worn now________
in their newest gloss, / Not cast aside so soon.”
Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 7) Analysis: At this moment, Macbeth hesitates to act on his ambition and murder King Duncan. He reflects on how recently he has gained favor and honor, which he is reluctant to sacrifice. This shows the internal conflict between his ambition and his awareness of the potential consequences. It demonstrates that while Macbeth has ambitious desires, he is not completely blind to the rewards he has already earned and how easily they could be lost by his rash actions.
“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest_________
chuck”
Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 2) Analysis: In this line, Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth not to worry about the murders he is about to commit. His ambition has led him to take control of his own actions and even to hide them from his wife. This quote illustrates how ambition can lead individuals to become more isolated and secretive. Macbeth's ambition has now reached a point where he believes that no one, not even his closest ally, should be involved in or aware of his actions.
