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Essay Macbeth William Shakespeare
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An Essay Written About William Shakespeare's Book of Macbeth
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FULL MARKS Grade 9 GCSE Macbeth Essay on Ambition
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Twisted ambitionsIn Shakespeare’s “ Macbeth”, the intertwined ambitions of Macbeth and his wife,
lady Macbeth, serve as the driving force behind the tragedy events that unfold.
Helen Keller once remarked: “ Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so
much”. This sentiment deeply resonates with the collective desires of Macbeth
and lady Macbeth as they embark on a treacherous journey driven by their
shared ambition for power and status. Their aspirations lead them to commit
monstrous acts, ultimately resulting in their downfall and the suffering of others.
Their ruthless pursuit of power leads to moral decay and inevitable
consequences.
Macbeth’s initial ambition is ignited by the witches’ prophecies, which plant the
seed of desire for kingship within him. When the witches prophesy that he will
become Thane of Cawdor and ultimately king, Macbeth’s ambition is set ablaze.
He muses, “ Glamis, and thane of Cawdor: The greatest is behind. (Act 1, scene
3). Here, Macbeth reveals his ambition, already envisioning himself ascending to
the throne. However, it is not until lady Macbeth learns of the prophecies that his
ambition is pushed to action.
Lady Macbeth plays a crucial role in stoking Macbeth’s ambition and
manipulating him into committing regicide. She challenges his masculinity and
questions his resolve, urging him to “screw [his] courage to the sticking-place
(act 1, scene 7). Her ambition to see Macbeth crowned king surpasses his own, as
she is willing to do whatever it takes to seize power. Her infamous soliloquy, “
come, you spirits…unsex me here” (act 1, scene 5), reveals her willingness to
forsake her femininity and morality in pursuit of ambition.
Together, Macbeth and lady Macbeth, conspire to murder king Duncan,
illustrating the climax of their shared ambition. Macbeth, initially hesitant, is
spurred into action by lady Macbeth’s relentless persuasion. After committing the
deed, Macbeth laments, “will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean
from my hand?” (act 2, scene 2). This demonstrates the weight of guilt and the
realization of irreversible consequences. While Macbeth carries out the act, it is
the shared ambition of both him and lady Macbeth that drives them to such
extreme measures.
In “Macbeth” Shakespeare masterfully depicts how the interwoven ambitions with
Macbeth and lady Macbeth lead to their tragic downfall. Their shared desire for
power blinds them to the moral consequences of their actions, ultimately
resulting in their own ruin and the devastation of those around them. Through
their story, Shakespeare warns of destructive nature of unchecked ambition and
the profound consequences it can bring.
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