Blind Ambition in Macbeth - 1295 Words

Throughout the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the reasoning of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is completely subverted and undermined by their insatiable ambition. Macbeth was at first reasonable enough to keep his ambition in check, however it eventually became to strong for even Macbeth and therefor over powered him. To the contrary, Lady Macbeth was overcome by her ambition from the very beginning. Reasoning was abandoned after the decision to kill Duncan was made. At that point we see no serious questioning of the motives of the three witches when they told their cunning and misleading predictions. Macbeth even went as far as to ask for their advise a second time - this second time would of course lead to his downfall. The decision to†¦show more content†¦His ambition does not become overbearing until it is fueled by Lady Macbeths own ambition. Macbeths ambition is in sharp contrast to Banquo. Banquo comes across as much more hesitant to accept the witches prophesy. This contrast was created for a specific reason - to highlight Macbeths tragic flaw. One critical perspective views Banquos function as essentially symbolic: he is portrayed as a man who, like Macbeth, has the capacity for both Gods grace and sin; but unlike the protagonist, he puts little stock in the Weird Sisters, prophecies and does not succumb to their temptations. Banquos reluctance to dwell on the witchs predictions therefore underscores, by contrast, the nature of Macbeths descent into evil. (Scott; 238) Banquo does not have the same overbearing ambition as Macbeth and therefor is able to reason with the situation. Banquos logic is most prevalently seen in the following quote: That trusted home Might yet enkindle you unto the Crown Besides the Thane of Cawdor, But tis Strange: And oftentimes, to win us to our Harm. The Instruments of Darkness tell us Truths, Win us with honest Trifles, to betrays In deepest Consequence - Cousins, a Word, I pray you. (Shakespeare; I, iii, 118-124) Banquo speaks this quote immediately after Macbeth is told that he will be the new Thane of Cawdor. It is a stark warning that shows evidence of logical deduction andShow MoreRelatedExamples Of Blind Ambition In Macbeth911 Words   |  4 PagesIsn’t it amazing how humans throughout the centuries have clung to their ambitions and accomplished amazing feats? Surely it must be. However, what happens when someone clings to their blind ambitions? This problematic characteristic has wedged its way into humanity for many, many years. Why, even in Macbeth it’s a common theme that somehow relates to our modern society. 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