The ambitions of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Banquo control their decisions and choices, thus leading to their early demises. Lady Macbeth, upon discovering that Macbeth has been named the future King of Cawdor, begins to contemplate the characteristics that will help Macbeth achieve the title. She believes that Macbeth’s nature is “too full o' th' milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way. [He] wouldst be great, art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it” (1.5.16-20). Lady Macbeth does not consider her husband incompetent; in fact, she considers him completely capable of greatness. However, she feels that he lacks selfish ambition. To her, ambition is the only factor which will assist Macbeth in his transformation
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Macbeth attains his position, Thane of Cawdor, because of his bravery in battle as well as the treason of the previous Thane of Cawdor. Ross and Angus relay the information of the promotion to Macbeth, saying that “for an earnest of a greater honor, [King Duncan] bade me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor, in which addition, hail, most worthy thane, for it is thine” (1.3.109-112). Macbeth’s first increase in power is induced by his bravery and selflessness. Thus, the messengers who convey the honor confront him with reverence and respect. Macbeth, in this instance, is portrayed as a noble and steadfast man. His character is contrasted with the character of the previous Thane of Cawdor, who is used to illustrate the dishonor that accompanies disloyalty to a man’s country. Thus, being fair and honest is cast into a positive light from the beginning of the play, casting Macbeth into shadow when he betrays his friends. Later, as soon as the murder of Macbeth has been confirmed, Macduff returns with his head and crowns Malcolm King of Scotland. Malcolm’s first words are, “We shall not spend a large expanse of time before we reckon with your several loves and make us even with you” (5.8.72-74). Malcolm, when confronted with immense power and prestige, proceeds to speak humbly and gratefully toward his faithful comrades. He displays no signs of excessive pride or ambition, and simply plans to …show more content…
Lady Macbeth craves power more hungrily than her husband, and thus believes that she must become the “man” of the marriage in order to achieve her goal. She believes that to be a man is to be a person without morals. To her, womanhood is a symbol of weakness, and something that will hinder her in her journey. Malcolm holds a similar opinion and definition of manhood. Upon learning of the death of his family, Macduff becomes extremely distressed. Malcolm, attempting to galvanize his friend into vengeful action, encourages him to “Dispute it like a man.” Macduff responds that he “shall do so, but [he] must also feel it as a man.” He “cannot but remember such things were that were most precious to me’” (4.3.259-263). According to Malcolm, to act like is a man is to appear void of emotion. He reckons that any feelings of loss or anger should be converted to vengeance, and that violent revenge is the true mark of manhood. Macduff disagrees. He believes that, in addition to retribution, a man must know when to pause and recognize his losses. Neither man reaches an end such as Banquo; however, Malcolm, being perhaps the “manlier” of the two, reaches kingship while his softer
Macbeth attains his position, Thane of Cawdor, because of his bravery in battle as well as the treason of the previous Thane of Cawdor. Ross and Angus relay the information of the promotion to Macbeth, saying that “for an earnest of a greater honor, [King Duncan] bade me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor, in which addition, hail, most worthy thane, for it is thine” (1.3.109-112). Macbeth’s first increase in power is induced by his bravery and selflessness. Thus, the messengers who convey the honor confront him with reverence and respect. Macbeth, in this instance, is portrayed as a noble and steadfast man. His character is contrasted with the character of the previous Thane of Cawdor, who is used to illustrate the dishonor that accompanies disloyalty to a man’s country. Thus, being fair and honest is cast into a positive light from the beginning of the play, casting Macbeth into shadow when he betrays his friends. Later, as soon as the murder of Macbeth has been confirmed, Macduff returns with his head and crowns Malcolm King of Scotland. Malcolm’s first words are, “We shall not spend a large expanse of time before we reckon with your several loves and make us even with you” (5.8.72-74). Malcolm, when confronted with immense power and prestige, proceeds to speak humbly and gratefully toward his faithful comrades. He displays no signs of excessive pride or ambition, and simply plans to …show more content…
Lady Macbeth craves power more hungrily than her husband, and thus believes that she must become the “man” of the marriage in order to achieve her goal. She believes that to be a man is to be a person without morals. To her, womanhood is a symbol of weakness, and something that will hinder her in her journey. Malcolm holds a similar opinion and definition of manhood. Upon learning of the death of his family, Macduff becomes extremely distressed. Malcolm, attempting to galvanize his friend into vengeful action, encourages him to “Dispute it like a man.” Macduff responds that he “shall do so, but [he] must also feel it as a man.” He “cannot but remember such things were that were most precious to me’” (4.3.259-263). According to Malcolm, to act like is a man is to appear void of emotion. He reckons that any feelings of loss or anger should be converted to vengeance, and that violent revenge is the true mark of manhood. Macduff disagrees. He believes that, in addition to retribution, a man must know when to pause and recognize his losses. Neither man reaches an end such as Banquo; however, Malcolm, being perhaps the “manlier” of the two, reaches kingship while his softer