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Although the protagonist gains power there is still a constant thirst for more, to better their position one step further, even if it comes at the expense of a life. Macbeth becomes fixated on rising to the throne in place of King Duncan however; just recently, he has been given the title of thane of Cawdor by the king. Although happy with the new title and new power, Macbeth still craves for the role held by the king. The importance of honor in society is a primary theme as it is what provokes Macbeth to kill for kingship and sends him on a dismal journey towards the throne. “If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me without my stir”. (ACT I scene 3, lines 143-145) This demonstrates the ideology that Macbeth is not satisfied with just being a thane but has now heard the prophecy and is seduced by the thought of gaining more power. He hastily makes the decision to Kill Duncan with the influence of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth's struggle for power starts the moment she appears in the play where she finds the letter and launches into criticizing Macbeth's manhood. "It is too full of o' th' milk of human kindness". This metaphoric language
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As Macbeth falls deeper into this obsession with the throne he becomes a more dishonest and cunning character. “Who’s there? A friend”. (ACT II scene 1, lines 11-12). This use of irony depicts the deceitful nature of Macbeth as he descends into madness. Banquo is a very loyal general to the King and he will not be tempted by Macbeth into betraying him. Macbeth is certainly no friend to Banquo, his murderous quest to kill Duncan contradicts Banquo’s morals and judgment. “Upon this bank and shoal of time we’d jump the life to come” (ACT I scene 7, lines 6-7). This metaphor exemplifies the idea that this shallow or narrow ford of human life in this great river of eternity. Shakespeare has creatively used symbolism through metaphoric language to demonstrate how a narrow river being cut off and dried up is Macbeth killing Duncan. He will be overthrowing the natural order of the heir to the throne and setting his place in eternity. Evidently he must kill King Duncan in this short period of time while he is still vulnerable in his castle. The effect of ambition on Macbeth drives him into his contemptible acts in order to assume the throne. He falls into a deep obsession which consumes his rational thought and he becomes very evil and conniving. “Is this the dagger which I see before me, the handle towards my hand?” (ACT II scene 1, line 33-34) This foreshadowing illustrates the
As Macbeth falls deeper into this obsession with the throne he becomes a more dishonest and cunning character. “Who’s there? A friend”. (ACT II scene 1, lines 11-12). This use of irony depicts the deceitful nature of Macbeth as he descends into madness. Banquo is a very loyal general to the King and he will not be tempted by Macbeth into betraying him. Macbeth is certainly no friend to Banquo, his murderous quest to kill Duncan contradicts Banquo’s morals and judgment. “Upon this bank and shoal of time we’d jump the life to come” (ACT I scene 7, lines 6-7). This metaphor exemplifies the idea that this shallow or narrow ford of human life in this great river of eternity. Shakespeare has creatively used symbolism through metaphoric language to demonstrate how a narrow river being cut off and dried up is Macbeth killing Duncan. He will be overthrowing the natural order of the heir to the throne and setting his place in eternity. Evidently he must kill King Duncan in this short period of time while he is still vulnerable in his castle. The effect of ambition on Macbeth drives him into his contemptible acts in order to assume the throne. He falls into a deep obsession which consumes his rational thought and he becomes very evil and conniving. “Is this the dagger which I see before me, the handle towards my hand?” (ACT II scene 1, line 33-34) This foreshadowing illustrates the