? William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is about a king’s rise to power and later his defeat. Macbeth’s ambition is the reason he became king. The power of ambition is the motivation to achieve a higher status. The power of ambition drives Macbeth to become the leader that he is. The power of ambition affects the characters in Macbeth. Firstly, the power of ambition makes the characters less loyal to their friends, family and country. Secondly, the power of ambition influences the unconscious mind. Thirdly, ambition gives the characters a false scene of security.
Thus, the play Macbeth points out that the power of ambition is dangerous when you stop considering what is moral or reasonable. Firstly, the power of ambition forces Macbeth to be less loyal to the people he loves and, therefore, he goes against his own set of morals. He is willing to turn on and kill the people he is loyal to king. Initially, Macbeth is reluctant to kill Duncan. He says, “He’s here in double trust:/First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,/Strong both against the deed; then, as his host. ” (I. vii. 2-14) Macbeth demonstrates here that he knows it is morally wrong to kill Duncan but he murders him anyway because he believes it will give him more power. Next, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth using the power of ambition she says, “But your courage to sticking-place/And we’ll not fail. “ (I. vii. 60-61) Lady Macbeth shows that power and being queen is more important to her than morals are. Afterwards, Macbeth feels that he needs kill Banquo. Macbeth sees Banquo as treat to him because the say that Banquo will be the father of kings. Macbeth says, “They hail’d him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they plac’d a fruitless crown/ And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,/Thence to be wrench’d with a unltneal hand. / No sons of mine succeeding. If’t be so,/ For Banquo’s issue have I fill my mind. ” (III, I, 61-165) Here Macbeth shows that he has no problem killing Banquo. The power of his ambition has escalated so much that he feels no guilt or remorse. This change is dangerous because those feelings are enough to make Macbeth think his actions are reasonable when truly they are not. Without any reason Macbeth becomes impulsive. Thus, the power of ambition has made Macbeth less loyal.
Secondly, the power of ambition influences the unconscious mind and, therefore, one has no reason. After killing Duncan, Macbeth sees a dagger. He says “Is this dagger which I see before me,/ The handle towards my hand? ” (II, i, 33-34) Macbeth has let his power of ambition rule his mind. He believes that the dagger he sees is a sign that there is a reason to kill Duncan. When in reality there is no dagger and the only reason to kill him is his ambition. After, Macbeth Kills Banquo Macbeth see Banquo’s ghost. Macbeth says to the ghost, “Thou canst not say I did it; not say I did never shake /Thy gory locks at me! (III. Iv. 50-51) The guilt of killing Banquo is taking over Macbeth’s unconscious mind. The result is that Macbeth is trying to convince himself that he is not guilty. He does it in a way that has no reason and makes the people around him feel in danger. Next, the doctor talks about Lady Macbeth. He says, “Not so sick my lord, as she with think fancies! That keep her from her rest. ” (V . ii. 38-40) Lady Macbeth proves that she is not mentally able to handle the power of ambition because she is not able to take care of herself by allowing herself to sleep.
She later becomes so mentally weak that the power of her unconscious mid forces her to commit suicide. Lady Macbeth is an excellent example of how the power of ambition influences the unconscious mind and, therefore, one has no reason and can become dangerous. Lastly, Macbeth’s ambition to be king and now hold his crown conflicts with his judgment and, therefore, jeopardizes his safety. Macbeth explains to the murder why he orders to Kills Banquo. He says, “So is he mine, and in such bloody distance/ That every minute of his being thrusts/Against my near’st of life. (III. I. 118-120) Macbeth feels more threatened by Banquo than anything else. He feels this way because the power of his ambition makes him afraid of Banquo for no reason. The safety of his status as king is just as if not more important than his own safety. Next, Macbeth feels safe from Macduff. He says, “Then live, Macduff, what need I fear of thee? / but yet I’ll make assurance double sure” (IV. I. 81-82) Macbeth is so determined to hold his title he feels very powerful and not scared of anyone. Following, Macbeth says, “I almost forgot the taste of fear. ” (V. V. ) Again, Macbeth has so much determination to stay king he feels invisible. Thus, Macbeth is ambitious to be king and hold his position conflicts with his judgment and therefore, compromises his safety. Therefore, the play Macbeth points out the power of ambition is dangerous when you stop considering what is moral or reasonable. Firstly, the power of ambition makes the characters less devoted to the people they value. Secondly, the power of ambition can control the unconscious mind. Thirdly, ambition can impair the character’s judgment. In conclusion the power of ambition ultimately leads to Macbeth’s downfall and later, his death.
