Ambition

• Ambition

  The play presents ambition as a negative character trait (Macbeth's hamartia) that leads to evil, madness, and the downfall of the characters
• How ambition is explored:

  Macbeth's ambition is unchecked by morality and is the driving force behind his actions. He is initially unsure what to do about becoming king, but his wife convinces him to commit murder to fulfill his ambition. Macbeth's ambition leads to the deaths of many characters.
• How ambition is explored:

  Lady Macbeth is ambitious for herself and for her husband. 

  She is ruthless in getting what she wants and views Macbeth as a coward. 

  She manipulates Macbeth by putting down his masculinity. 

  Lady Macbeth's ambition is so strong that she goes mad.
• Symbolism of ambition:

  The dagger is a symbol of Macbeth's ambition and violent choice. Macbeth chooses to use the dagger, even though he has the option to ignore it.