‘AMBITION’

• What should be the first point in a McBTH essay on ambition?

  Discuss Macbeth's character and ambition
• How does ambition affect Macbeth's character?

  It corrupts him and makes him a tragic hero
• What does the term "cautionary character" imply about Macbeth?

  He serves as a warning against unchecked ambition
• What is Macbeth's hamartia?

  His ambition
• What does Macbeth mean by "vaulting ambition"?

  His overwhelming desire for power
• What significant action does Macbeth take that shows his ambition?

  He commits regicide by killing King Duncan
• What does Macbeth mean when he says he shall "sleep no more"?

  He is haunted by guilt after killing Duncan
• How does the context of King James's court relate to Macbeth?

  It serves as a warning against ambition
• Who is the other ambitious character in the play?

  Lady Macbeth
• How does Lady Macbeth's ambition affect her character?

  It leads her to manipulate Macbeth
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "when you durst do it, then you were a man"?

  She challenges Macbeth's masculinity to spur him
• How is Lady Macbeth viewed by Jacobeans?

  As the fourth witch due to her ambition
• What is the significance of Lady Macbeth's madness in Act 5, Scene 1?

  It represents divine punishment for her ambition
• What does Lady Macbeth echo when she asks, "Will these hands never be clean?"

  Macbeth's guilt about his actions
• How is Macduff portrayed in contrast to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  As a righteous character without ambition
• What does Macduff do after killing Macbeth?

  He restores the crown to Malcolm
• How does Macduff describe Duncan's murder?

  As a most sacrilegious murder
• What term describes the rightful order of kings in the play?

  The great chain of being
• What are the key points to discuss in a McBTH essay on ambition?

  • Macbeth's ambition and corruption
  • Lady Macbeth's manipulation and ambition
  • Contrast between Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff
  • Context of King James's court
• What quotations support the theme of ambition in McBTH?

  • "Vaulting ambition" (Macbeth)
  • "When you durst do it, then you were a man" (Lady Macbeth)
  • "Will these hands never be clean?" (Lady Macbeth)
  • "A most sacrilegious murder" (Macduff)