Macbeth Good And Bad Ambition Analysis

There will always be a line to cross in any situation. In Macbeth’s situation the line is between good and bad ambition. Humans are extremely selfish beings, when decisions are made they are usually made with the better being of ourselves in mind. Every murder that Macbeth committed in the Scottish Play he did so with himself as the primary concern; whether this is consciously or subconsciously. The line that exists between good and bad in any situation always varies; in the Scottish play the reader is left to determine for themselves where they believe the line should be drawn. Macbeth’s ambition is shown as admirable when he fights and receives the title of Thane of Cawdor, but is shown as shameful when he murders Duncan in order to take his place; or so he thinks. Unhae Langis states that “Macbeth reveals himself caught between rational and appetitive will, virtue and social esteem” (Langis). Is Macbeth doing these things because it is what makes sense, or is he doing it to satisfy his own conscience? …show more content…
Langis states in her review of ambition in the Scottish play; “From a psycho-prudential perspective, we can clearly see that Macbeth did not act at the best time, in the best way, and for the best end.” (Langis). Provided that, Macbeth is always teetering in between “praiseworthy and censurable ambition.” (Langis). Cold blooded angst was what tempted Macbeth to kill banquo in the first place. Macbeth believed that Banquo knew too much and was too much of a threat to Macbeth’s reign as king. In contrast, when the apparition shows Macbeth the line of kings from Banquo’s blood that will reign all of this is shattered. The three weird sisters also gave Banquo a prophecy. Provided that, Macbeth became even more anxious in regards to the end result. Pleasurable and censurable ambition while they contrast eachother very much, there is also a tie that binds them