William Shakespeare used Macbeth as a way to show how ambitions can affect both the individual and others. While ambition can lead some to greatness, it can also lead others to their downfall. Lady Macbeth’s ambition leads her to pressure Macbeth. The result is their ultimate downfall.
Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to have what he is entitled to. When Lady Macbeth replies “Wouldst Thou have That as Thou Art in Desire? Wouldst you live a life of cowardice and wait for “I’d” to come before “I dare”, as the poor cat is said in the adage?”. This statement shows that Lady Macbeth wants to convince Macbeth of the truth about Duncan’s murder without actually saying it. The use of coward in her statement makes it sound more aggressive and persuading. In addition, she says he would much rather be king. This statement shows that Lady Macbeth is trying to get Macbeth kill Duncan in order for her to be a king. Lady Macbeths greed also drives Macbeth into murder. She is also influenced by her greed, which clouds her judgment. After the murder, she displays no remorse. She becomes paranoid as the play goes on. She is ultimately brought down by her desire for power and wealth.
Macbeth doesn’t want Macbeth to cause harm to anyone. “If by chance I am crowned king, the crown may come without my stirring.” Macbeth has a lot of impressionable qualities when it comes love. Lady Macbeth managed to convince him to do something he clearly did not want to do. It wasn’t just Lady Macbeth who wanted him to kill Duncan. Macbeth wishes to please his wife. What beast then did you think I was to break up this business with? If I had sworn to kill him, and ripped out his brains, as you did, then I would have plucked the nipple off of his gums, and dashed it out. Macbeth is convinced to kill Duncan because he feels like he has disappointed his love. He doesn’t want to disappoint her or make her feel less about him. Macbeth has become paranoid, believing that Banquo knows exactly what he is doing. Macbeth believes his sons are entitled to the throne after he passes away. Macbeth is driven to kill Banquo along with Duncan by his paranoia. It is because he has become a bad leader that his subjects are trying to get him removed from power or killed.
Banquo, Duncan and Macbeth are all victims of Macbeth’s ambitions. Duncan was king while Banquo’s children were also kings. Banquo was present when Macbeth heard the prophecies from the witches. Banquo wanted to know Macbeth’s prophecies. Macbeth also knew Banquo’s. Banquo became suspicious when all Macbeth’s prophecies came true. “Thou art now in possession of all the things that the Weird Women have promised — Cawdor King, Glamis and Glamis. I am afraid that you have played a foul game for it.” Macbeth was motivated to kill Banquo because Banquo would not be his heir and Banquo’s descendants would. Duncan also became a victim of Macbeth’s ambitions as he had to rid himself of the king in order for Macbeth to become the king. Macbeth said Duncan had a good heart and was a great king, not that he wanted to murder him. “First as his kinsman I was against it, then as his host I should have shut the doors, not be the one to do the killing. Macbeth, on the other hand, was focused on his goal, which was to become king. Duncan was his only obstacle in becoming king. Therefore, he decided to kill him and fulfill his desire.
Macbeth shows how ambition can affect both the individual and those around them. Lady Macbeth uses her husband in order to achieve wealth and power. Macbeth is a king-in-waiting and so he obeys Lady Macbeth’s order to kill Duncan. Duncan and Banquo demonstrate how ambition has a ripple-effect and can affect others as well. Ambition can be a great thing, but it can also bring about tragedy.