Ambition is a driving force that can lead to great accomplishments, but it can also be the source of downfall. This is evident in the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, in which the character Macbeth is consumed by ambition, leading to his eventual demise.
One of the most famous quotes about ambition in "Macbeth" is "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other" (Act 1, Scene 7). In this quote, Macbeth is expressing his desire to become king, but he recognizes that his ambition is unfounded and potentially dangerous. Despite this awareness, he allows his ambition to override his better judgment and ultimately leads to his downfall.
Another notable quote about ambition in the play is "I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er" (Act 3, Scene 4). In this quote, Macbeth is reflecting on the violent actions he has taken in pursuit of the crown and how he feels that there is no turning back. He has become so entrenched in his ambition that he cannot stop, even though he knows it is wrong.
A third significant quote about ambition in "Macbeth" is "The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, for in my way it lies" (Act 1, Scene 3). In this quote, Macbeth is considering killing Duncan, the current king, in order to fulfill his ambition of becoming the ruler himself. He recognizes that this action would be morally wrong and could lead to his own downfall, but his desire for power is so great that he is willing to take the risk.
Overall, the theme of ambition is central to the play "Macbeth," and these quotes highlight how the character Macbeth is consumed by his desire for power. His ambition leads him to make poor decisions and ultimately causes his downfall. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing ambition to consume one's actions and morals.
Macbeth Quotes: Ambition
Second Witch Not so happy, yet much happier. After the Witches prophesize that Macbeth will be king in Act 1 scene 3, Banquo asks what his future holds. What hands are here! At once, good night, stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once. To bed, to bed, to bed. No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red. But this intense avarice, in the end, leads to their ruin in differing ways.
When it comes to her attention that King Duncan is about to visit them, she sees this as an opportunity to snatch away the throne. The king receives the news, but then he sees a ghost of Banquo sitting in his place at the party. The two conspire to kill King Duncan so that Macbeth can ascend to the throne. Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. The reason he killed his family is simply because Macduff was not there. Second Witch Upon the heath. Blood will have blood.
25 Inspirational Macbeth Quotes On Power And Ambition
Ambition For Power In Macbeth 935 Words 4 Pages Is it not weird how ambition for power corrupts one corrupt and leads them to their destiny? Sad, depressed and surrounded by 10,000 soldiers ready to overthrow him, Macbeth laments: Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty deaths. It is a tragic story, which has been adapted into many different versions. He uses a complicated metaphor that compares his experience to horse-riding. They are both initially skeptical about the prophecies, but Macbeth is intrigued by the prospect of becoming the most powerful man in Scotland. In the play Macbeth, by Sir William Shakespeare, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth share various similarities throughout the play. He describes being unable to motivate himself to take action by likening himself to a rider who cannot use his spurs to motivate his horse to go faster.
This reaction from Macduff, along with Malcolm's choosing to test him in the first place, demonstrates that moral code in positions of power is more important than the ambition to get there, especially blind ambition. First Witch All hail, Macbeth! As he rises to power, he becomes more and more of a threat to those around him, killing those he was once loyal to. Macbeth does satisfy his ambition to become the King of Scotland, but his horrific actions take over him. He hears a knocking at the gate to the castle, and thinks it must be his doom coming to claim him. The eagerness with which he turns to this idea suggests that he finds the possibility appealing, even though he also realizes he would have to commit a terrible and violent act in order to achieve the position.
Macbeth Ambition Quotes: How Ambition Runs Through Macbeth
No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red. But hush, no more. She seems to understand her husband well and displays her own philosophy of power, where only those who are able to set aside morality can rise to greatness. It can obtain many forms, and it can happen in many ways. First Witch When shall we three meet again? There would have been time for such a word. The attempt and not the deed confounds us.
Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier and afeard? Hail to thee, thane of Glamis! And being told that he was king to be, so it inspired him to do anything that he had to to become king. On this page, we run through the most significant quotes from Macbeth about ambition, each with an explanation giving some context. Act 5, Scene 5. I am thane of Cawdor. After Macbeth had seen all three apparitions he was told the news about Macduff fleeing Scotland towards England to find Malcolm.
However, many of the main actors are attracted to the main roles and have been made to measure for multifaceted media. Here are the quotes that showcase the deep sense of ambition that drives Macbeth to the throne and subsequently to his death. Milk is used as a metaphor for the stereotypical female quality of nurturing kindess, and purity. Arguably, their most dominating semblance is their shared lust for power. Macbeth looks and complies with witches. Where is it called? It is a story told by an idiot, full of Sound and fury, meaning nothing.
80 Lady Macbeth Quotes on Ambition, Greed, and Guilt
Macbeth makes a Dream Assistant: the innocent dream, sleeps that weave the sleeve of attention, the death of life every day, the bath of pain of work, the balm of painful minds, the second course of great nature, the main northern at the party of life. And more I beg not. He wonders how the throne will come to him. Act 1, Scene 7 Before he steps in to kill King Duncan, Macbeth has a vision of a dagger with the handle towards him and the blade pointing towards Duncan. I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this, which I now draw.
Macbeth's ambition was the cause of death of many people that surrounded him. He brags that his mind and courage will never falter. With diverse experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. What thou wouldst highly, That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, And yet wouldst wrongly win. How are you doing with me, when every noise was postponed me? He writes a letter to his wife announcing the prophecies, and it is actually Lady Macbeth who fans the flames of ambition as the play progresses. He knows that Duncan has been a good and wise king.
