Clearly, Macbeth’s growing ambition is one of the contributing factors to his decisions, which leads to his ultimate downfall. For instance, after Ross and Angus confirm the second prophecy of the witches, Macbeth thinks of scenarios in which the third prophecy can come true. One of these scenarios suggest regicide as an option when Macbeth says, “If good, why do I yield to that suggestion” (1.3.144); however, Macbeth is disturbed by the thought of murdering his kinship; he describes his thoughts as a “horrid image doth unfix my hair/ And make my seated heart knock at my ribs” (1.3.145-146). Evidently, the desire and ambition to become a powerful king is already present within Macbeth. Although the witches prophesies Macbeth’s kingship, they
…show more content…
Macbeth immediately thinks of his third prophecy and how Malcolm’s new title as Duncan’s successor could threaten Macbeth’s future of being king of Scotland. To assure the fulfillment of the third prophecy, Macbeth plans to murder Malcolm. As a result of Macbeth’s ambition, he transforms into a man who is willing to do anything to satisfy this hunger for power. Furthermore, Macbeth admits to himself that his plot to commit regicide is due to his ambition. As Macbeth doubts his choice to kill Duncan, he confesses, “ I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself/ And falls on the other” (1.7.25-28). Clearly, Macbeth is aware of the consequence of committing treason; however, Macbeth suppresses and ignores his guilt, so he can continue to follow his ambition thus leading to the death of innocent characters. With regards to Macbeth’s downfall, the witches tempt Macbeth with their prophecies; however Macbeth lets his greed and ambition transform into a murderer.As a result, Macbeth’s selfish desires give birth to sin, which develops into a series of murders of innocent lives, which eventually leads to Macbeth’s …show more content…
Throughout the play, Macbeth progressively becomes obsessed with the idea of eternal power. Along with Macbeth’s increasing obsession, comes the side effect of paranoia of losing that power that he possesses as king. As a result, Macbeth commits murders of several characters because of his fear of their potential to take away his throne. For example, Macbeth hires three men to assassinate Banquo and his son, Fleance. Macbeth admits his “fears in Banquo/ Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature/ Reigns that which would be fear’d: ‘tis much he dares,” (3.1. 53-55). Banquo’s honor and dignity threatens the revelation of Macbeth’s secret of how he became king to the public. Hence, Macbeth reacted accordingly to his fear by murdering Banquo. In addition, Banquo’s prophecies endanger Macbeth’s position as king of Scotland. According to the witches, Banquo “shalt get kings, though thou be none:” (1.3.70). The witches suggest that Banquo is going to be a father to a line of kings. This implies that Macbeth’s sovereignty is not going to last forever. To Macbeth, this is not an option because he has no heir to the throne after he dies and the thought of Banquo’s son becoming king is disquieting to Macbeth. Macbeth prefers that fate comes “into the list,/ And champion me out to the utterance!” (3.1. 75-76) rather than letting fate fulfill Banquo’s prophesies. Furthermore, the assassination of
Macbeth immediately thinks of his third prophecy and how Malcolm’s new title as Duncan’s successor could threaten Macbeth’s future of being king of Scotland. To assure the fulfillment of the third prophecy, Macbeth plans to murder Malcolm. As a result of Macbeth’s ambition, he transforms into a man who is willing to do anything to satisfy this hunger for power. Furthermore, Macbeth admits to himself that his plot to commit regicide is due to his ambition. As Macbeth doubts his choice to kill Duncan, he confesses, “ I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only/ Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself/ And falls on the other” (1.7.25-28). Clearly, Macbeth is aware of the consequence of committing treason; however, Macbeth suppresses and ignores his guilt, so he can continue to follow his ambition thus leading to the death of innocent characters. With regards to Macbeth’s downfall, the witches tempt Macbeth with their prophecies; however Macbeth lets his greed and ambition transform into a murderer.As a result, Macbeth’s selfish desires give birth to sin, which develops into a series of murders of innocent lives, which eventually leads to Macbeth’s …show more content…
Throughout the play, Macbeth progressively becomes obsessed with the idea of eternal power. Along with Macbeth’s increasing obsession, comes the side effect of paranoia of losing that power that he possesses as king. As a result, Macbeth commits murders of several characters because of his fear of their potential to take away his throne. For example, Macbeth hires three men to assassinate Banquo and his son, Fleance. Macbeth admits his “fears in Banquo/ Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature/ Reigns that which would be fear’d: ‘tis much he dares,” (3.1. 53-55). Banquo’s honor and dignity threatens the revelation of Macbeth’s secret of how he became king to the public. Hence, Macbeth reacted accordingly to his fear by murdering Banquo. In addition, Banquo’s prophecies endanger Macbeth’s position as king of Scotland. According to the witches, Banquo “shalt get kings, though thou be none:” (1.3.70). The witches suggest that Banquo is going to be a father to a line of kings. This implies that Macbeth’s sovereignty is not going to last forever. To Macbeth, this is not an option because he has no heir to the throne after he dies and the thought of Banquo’s son becoming king is disquieting to Macbeth. Macbeth prefers that fate comes “into the list,/ And champion me out to the utterance!” (3.1. 75-76) rather than letting fate fulfill Banquo’s prophesies. Furthermore, the assassination of