ambition

• Macbeth was written in 1606 , at the start of the Jacobean period. At this time social status was highly important . A rigid class system and intricate social hierarchy meant that people, particularly those belonging to the upper echelons of society valued titles highly
• Ambition is seen as corrupting and causes Macbeth to lose his nobility and ultimately becomes intensely violent .nevertheless both he and his wife suffer deep remorse and guilt over their actions , causing Lady Macbeth to ultimately kill herself
• " i have no spur to prick the sides of my intent , but only vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other" -Macbeth makes it clear that there is no good reason to kill Duncan other than his own selfish ambition and he knows it may have consequences that could lead to his downfall
• "Thou wouldst be great Art not without ambition but without the illness should attend it " - Lady Macbeth shares her views on ambition stating that to get whatever you want you have to be ruthless and cruel and act like a man