Macbeth: Ambition Flashcards
What is the central theme of Macbeth?
Ambition
What drives the plot of Macbeth forward?
The Macbeths’ manipulative ambition
What is Macbeth’s tragic flaw (hamartia)?
His insatiable ambition
How does Shakespeare portray ambition in Macbeth?
As corrupting and destructive
What are the two key sources of Macbeth’s ambition?
The Witches’ prophecy and Lady Macbeth’s influence
How was ambition viewed in Jacobean England?
As a dangerous quality and equated with sin
What philosophical concept did Jacobeans believe in that made ambition sinful?
The Divine Order/Great Chain of Being
What happens to characters who pursue their ambitions in the play?
They suffer, go mad with guilt, and ultimately die
What does “black and deep desires” refer to in Act 1?
Macbeth’s ambitious thoughts of becoming king
What is the result of ambition in the play?
Guilt that torments both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
What metaphor does Macbeth use to describe his ambition in Act 1 Scene 7?
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other
Complete: “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only…”
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other
What does Macbeth mean by his “vaulting ambition” metaphor?
His ambition is like a horse rider who jumps too far and falls
What are Macbeth’s first thoughts after hearing the Witches’ prophecy?
Murder, though it’s “but fantastical”
What does Lady Macbeth mean by Macbeth being “too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness”?
He is too compassionate/moral to take the direct path to power (murder)
What does Lady Macbeth say Macbeth lacks to fulfil his ambition?
“The illness should attend it” (the evil/ruthlessness needed)
What does Ross call ambition after Duncan’s murder?
Thriftless ambition, that will ravin up thine own lives’ means!
How does Macbeth justify his actions in Act 3?
For mine own good
How does Lady Macbeth’s ambition differ from Macbeth’s initially?
She is more ruthless
Why might Lady Macbeth have been particularly shocking to a Jacobean audience?
She defies accepted gender norms by being ambitious and controlling her husband
What happens to Lady Macbeth as a result of her ambition?
She suffers guilt, goes mad, and commits suicide
How does Macbeth’s character change throughout the play?
From “noble” warrior to “butcher” and “abhorred tyrant”
What does Lady Macbeth do to manipulate Macbeth into fulfilling his ambition?
She persistently questions his manhood and uses gender norms to shame him
What unusual power dynamic exists between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
She directs his actions rather than being submissive as expected of Jacobean wives
How does the symbol of blood change in relation to Macbeth’s ambition?
From representing valour and loyalty to symbolising guilt and sin
What does Macbeth hallucinate that represents his guilt?
A bloody dagger and later Banquo’s ghost
What does Macbeth mean by “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?”
His guilt (symbolised by blood) is indelible and cannot be washed away
What might Banquo’s ghost represent to a modern audience?
A psychological manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt-ridden mind
When was Macbeth most likely written?
1606, at the start of the Jacobean period
Why were titles and social status so important in the context of the play?
Society had a rigid class system and intricate social hierarchy
How does modern Western society’s view of ambition differ from Jacobean views?
Modern society sees ambition as positive; Jacobean society saw it as dangerous
In the Great Chain of Being
who is the highest ranked earthly being?
Why would ambition to rise above one’s station be considered sinful in Jacobean times?
It violated the divinely ordained Great Chain of Being/Divine Order
How do you spell the Greek term for a tragic flaw?
H-A-M-A-R-T-I-A
How do you spell the term for the dramatic device where future events are hinted at?
F-O-R-E-S-H-A-D-O-W-S
How do you spell the literary device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud?
S-O-L-I-L-O-Q-U-Y
How do you spell the term for a recurring image or symbol in literature?
M-O-T-I-F
How do you spell the term for the main character in a tragedy?
P-R-O-T-A-G-O-N-I-S-T
How do you spell the term for something that cannot be removed or forgotten?
I-N-D-E-L-I-B-L-E
How do you spell the term for a question asked for dramatic effect
not requiring an answer?
How do you spell the adjective describing Latin-derived language?
L-A-T-I-N-A-T-E
How do you spell the adjective describing the historical period when Macbeth was written?
J-A-C-O-B-E-A-N
How do you spell the verb meaning to take the throne illegally?
U-S-U-R-P
How might you compare Macbeth’s ambition to that of a modern political figure?
[This is for student reflection - various answers possible]
How does Shakespeare use the theme of ambition to explore human psychology?
Through showing its corrupting influence and the resulting guilt and madness
In what ways might Lady Macbeth be considered a feminist character, despite her villainous role?
She defies gender expectations, shows agency, and controls her husband
How might the play’s treatment of ambition reflect James I’s concerns about threats to his throne?
It shows the destructive consequences of ambition and reinforces the idea that usurping a king is against divine order
What contemporary lessons about ambition can be drawn from Macbeth?
That unchecked ambition without moral boundaries leads to destruction
