Ambition

• Macbeth's vaulting ambition


  > First depicted as rabe and honourable soldier

  "Valour's minion" "Brave Macbeth"

  > consumed with idea of power and willing to do whatever to seize throne

  " Stars hide tour fire, let not light see my black and deep desires"

  > Unchecked ambition leads him to commit regicide and murder

  " Is this a sword I see before me"
• Lady Macbeth's ambition


  > Driving force behind Macbeth's initial actions

  " Pour my spirit in thine ear"

  > Ambition is fuelled by her desire for power and status

  " Unsex me"

  > Leads to her downfall as she is consumed by guilt and madness

  "Out, damed spot! Out, I say!"
• Ambition as a tragic flaw 


  > Cautionary tale and dangers of unchecked ambition

  . Great chain of being disrupted- callous leader, Scotland descends into madness

  > Ambition blinds them to their consequences and causes them to lose sight of their humanity

  " She should have died hereafter"