Examples Of The Ambition Of Lady Macbeth

The Tragedy of Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is an expressive and enticing play that is set in the country of Scotland. Macbeth, the main character, allows his pride and greed to provoke him to take drastic measures in order to obtain what he desires, without contemplating the results of his actions. A prominent theme within the story is the unfailing ambition evidenced continuously through the actions of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
To begin, the various characteristics of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth display their ambitious, yet somewhat hidden, desires. Due to his position as a nobleman and Thane, Macbeth is an esteemed and trusted hero among his people. The current positions he possesses provoke him to crave higher power, as well as the determination and willingness to achieve such. Similar to her husband, Lady Macbeth becomes power-hungry and greedy over the course of time. As a result of her desire to become queen, Lady Macbeth persuades and manipulates Macbeth to ensure that she receives the position she longs for. One can see, through the various characteristics of both Macbeth and his wife, that they have a
prominent passion for prestigious power.
In addition, the continuous actions of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth exhibit their willingness to achieve a particular goal, without regard to the outcome and costs.
Intrigued by the predictive words of the witches, and the future reign they ensure, Macbeth begins to seek a way to attain the throne and, ultimately, retain it. Overwhelmed by the result of his initial action, Macbeth’s reckless actions advance throughout the story. Secondly, Lady Macbeth aids her husband prior to and proceeding his murderous act against the king. Through the intoxication of the guards, the ringing of the bell, and the concealment of the bloody daggers, the role that Lady Macbeth plays in the murder is equally as vital as that of her husband. The reader is able to recognize the aspirations of both characters as they are constantly revealed through their
actions. Also, the oral communication of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is perhaps the aspect that best justifies the concept that they are yearning for an increase in power. This idea is supported when Macbeth admits, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erlaps itself and falls on th’ other.” (Act I, Scene vii, ln 25-28) Although King Duncan has failed to act in a manner worthy of murder, Macbeth explains that he carries out the deed as a way to quench his zeal for great authority. At the same time, Lady Macbeth voices her opinion of her husband, as well as her view concerning his act of violence. This concept is expressed through Lady Macbeth’s words, “Thou wouldst be great, are not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it.” (Act I, Scene v, ln 18-20) Lady Macbeth is aware of the vigor her husband possesses, however, she does not believe that equips him to carry out an act as immense as murder. The words of these characters support the belief that both are filled with an abundance of ambition.
Through the evidence previously stated, the reader can observe that the predominant theme in The Tragedy of Macbeth is the ability ambition has to consume and overwhelm whoever possesses it. The zealous characteristics that define and describe both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth explain why they respond physically and verbally the way that they do throughout the play. Furthermore, their honest words accompany and support the malicious and selfish actions that precede them. One can be deeply affected and influenced by the message that is conveyed within and throughout this work.