Ambition
Link to characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, witches, Banquo, Macduff & Malcolm
- Selfish ambition / getting consumed by ambition leads to downfall
esp . when encouraged by other people
- Unchecked ambitions are dangerous & can get out of control: even though you know
you’re guilty you still keep on doing it
- Ambition can be positive if it’s not personal ambition (desire to help others)
- Warning against ambition that isn’t balanced by reasons or morals
Macduff & Malcolm: ambitious for country, not for selfish desires
Eventually succeeds in restoring peace & removing Macbeth from power
Banquo: ambitious for his sons
But doesn’t act on the predictions like Macbeth does
Witches: Net cause of Macbeth’s ambition; prophecies triggers his actions
Deceptive language, equivocation
Lady Macbeth:
Shows that ambition can become unstoppable if encouraged by other people
Manipulates Macbeth into killing Duncan
Drives herself (and Macbeth) into madness, sleepwalks -> downfall ultimately due to
unchecked ambition
Loyalty & betrayal
- Too much ambition (selfish desires) triggers betrayal
Macbeth:
Macbeth celebrated for his loyalty & bravery initially -> juxtaposes with his betrayal
Macbeths fake an appearance of loyalty
Betrays friendship with Banquo
Macduff:
foil character, contrasts with Macbeth
Macduff loyal to country; represents loyalty
Banquo:
loyal to his own sense of honour
Will not let ambition / witches prophecies control him
Fate & free will
Link to characters: witches, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth
Witches
Messengers of Macbeth’s fate?
Witches’ prophecies → prediction inspiring Macbeth to make bad choices / drive
Macbeth towards his fate?
Macbeth
[ @twilightxcafee notes – Reserved for customers only ]
Link to characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, witches, Banquo, Macduff & Malcolm
- Selfish ambition / getting consumed by ambition leads to downfall
esp . when encouraged by other people
- Unchecked ambitions are dangerous & can get out of control: even though you know
you’re guilty you still keep on doing it
- Ambition can be positive if it’s not personal ambition (desire to help others)
- Warning against ambition that isn’t balanced by reasons or morals
Macduff & Malcolm: ambitious for country, not for selfish desires
Eventually succeeds in restoring peace & removing Macbeth from power
Banquo: ambitious for his sons
But doesn’t act on the predictions like Macbeth does
Witches: Net cause of Macbeth’s ambition; prophecies triggers his actions
Deceptive language, equivocation
Lady Macbeth:
Shows that ambition can become unstoppable if encouraged by other people
Manipulates Macbeth into killing Duncan
Drives herself (and Macbeth) into madness, sleepwalks -> downfall ultimately due to
unchecked ambition
Loyalty & betrayal
- Too much ambition (selfish desires) triggers betrayal
Macbeth:
Macbeth celebrated for his loyalty & bravery initially -> juxtaposes with his betrayal
Macbeths fake an appearance of loyalty
Betrays friendship with Banquo
Macduff:
foil character, contrasts with Macbeth
Macduff loyal to country; represents loyalty
Banquo:
loyal to his own sense of honour
Will not let ambition / witches prophecies control him
Fate & free will
Link to characters: witches, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth
Witches
Messengers of Macbeth’s fate?
Witches’ prophecies → prediction inspiring Macbeth to make bad choices / drive
Macbeth towards his fate?
Macbeth
[ @twilightxcafee notes – Reserved for customers only ]
