ambition

• What central theme does Shakespeare explore in Macbeth?

  Ambition and its consequences
• How is ambition characterized in Macbeth?

  As a negative character trait
• What does Macbeth mean by "vaulting ambition"?

  Ambition that overreaches itself
• What does the verb "vaulting" suggest about Macbeth's ambition?

  He must overcome obstacles to succeed
• What shocking act is Macbeth prepared to commit for his ambition?

  Murdering King Duncan
• What is Macbeth's fatal character flaw?

  His ambition
• What is the role of a tragic hero's hamartia in tragedy?

  It causes their own downfall
• How does Macbeth's ambition lead to further evil acts?

  It drives him to commit more murders
• What does Macbeth's conscience do as a result of his actions?

  It begins to terrorize him
• Who ultimately kills Macbeth?

  Macduff
• What moral lesson does Shakespeare present in Macbeth?

  Against undermining a rightful king
• What does Shakespeare suggest about those unaccustomed to power?

  They will be destroyed by it
• What must one prepare for if consumed by ambition?

  Terrible consequences
• What is crucial for achieving top marks in an exam essay?

  Knowing the exam format and requirements
• Why is planning an answer important in the exam?

  It helps secure higher marks
• What is the essay question regarding Macbeth's ambition?

  ‘Macbeth’s ambition proves to be his downfall’
• What does Macbeth contemplate in Act I, Scene VII?

  Whether to murder King Duncan
• What does Macbeth mean by "this bloody instruction"?

  Teaching others leads to consequences
• What does Macbeth recognize about Duncan's virtues?

  They will plead against his murder
• How does Macbeth's ambition affect his kindness?

  It evaporates as he commits crimes
• What does Lady Macbeth's influence lead Macbeth to do?

  Commit regicide
• What thematic elements does Shakespeare use in Macbeth?

  Conventions of tragedy and characterisation
• What contextual factors are relevant to Macbeth?

  The Great Chain of Being and regicide
• What are the consequences of Macbeth's ambition throughout the play?

  • Leads to regicide
  • Causes mental disintegration
  • Results in multiple murders
  • Ends in Macbeth's death
• What is the significance of the witches in Macbeth's ambition?

  • They provoke Macbeth's ambition
  • They manipulate his actions
  • They foreshadow his downfall
• How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth's ambition?

  • Challenges his masculinity
  • Encourages regicide
  • Amplifies his ambition
• What are the key elements to include in an essay about ambition in Macbeth?

  • Thesis statement
  • Evidence from the text
  • Analysis of character motivations
  • Contextual factors