Ambition in Macbeth

Ambition is one of the central themes in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, serving as both a driving force for the plot and a lens through which the characters’ moral struggles are explored. Shakespeare examines ambition as a powerful yet double-edged force, capable of driving individuals to achieve greatness but also of corrupting them when left unchecked. Through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the play delves into the destructive consequences of unbridled ambition and the moral decay it brings.

Macbeth’s Ambition: A Tragic Flaw

At the heart of the play lies Macbeth, a tragic hero whose ambition propels him to commit heinous acts. Initially, Macbeth is introduced as a loyal and valiant soldier, celebrated for his bravery in battle and unwavering allegiance to King Duncan. However, the seeds of ambition are sown when he encounters the three witches, who greet him with prophetic titles: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and "King hereafter." This prophecy awakens a latent desire for power in Macbeth, transforming him from a noble figure into one consumed by ambition.

What distinguishes Macbeth’s ambition is its progression. Initially, he hesitates, acknowledging the moral and political consequences of murdering Duncan. In his soliloquy in Act I, Scene VII, Macbeth wrestles with his conscience, reflecting on the gravity of regicide:

"If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well
It were done quickly."

This moment of introspection reveals that Macbeth is not inherently evil but is torn between his ambition and his sense of morality. However, his ambition ultimately overpowers his conscience, spurred on by Lady Macbeth’s manipulation and his own inner desires.

Once Macbeth commits the murder, his ambition becomes insatiable. He descends into paranoia and tyranny, eliminating anyone he perceives as a threat to his throne, including Banquo and Macduff’s family. His ambition blinds him to the suffering he causes and isolates him from humanity, driving him toward his tragic downfall.

Lady Macbeth: The Catalyst of Ambition

While Macbeth embodies ambition’s destructive power, Lady Macbeth represents its seductive and manipulative aspects. From her first appearance in the play, Lady Macbeth emerges as a figure of immense ambition, determined to propel her husband to the throne. Upon learning of the witches’ prophecy, she immediately begins plotting Duncan’s murder, demonstrating a resolve and ruthlessness that contrasts sharply with Macbeth’s initial hesitancy.

In Act I, Scene V, Lady Macbeth calls upon the spirits to "unsex" her, stripping her of feminine qualities traditionally associated with compassion and nurturing:

"Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe topful
Of direst cruelty."

Her acknowledgement underscores her willingness to abandon morality in pursuit of power, highlighting the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition. Lady Macbeth’s determination drives her to manipulate Macbeth, questioning his masculinity and courage to goad him into committing the murder. Her infamous taunt - "When you durst do it, then you were a man" - exemplifies her ability to exploit Macbeth’s insecurities to achieve her own ambitions.

However, Lady Macbeth’s ambition ultimately leads to her undoing. As the play progresses, the weight of guilt begins to crush her. Her descent into madness, exemplified by her sleepwalking scene in Act V, underscores the psychological toll of their shared ambition. In her famous lament - "Out, damned spot!"- Lady Macbeth’s earlier resolve is replaced by despair and regret, demonstrating that ambition, when pursued without regard for morality, exacts a devastating price.

Ambition and the Supernatural

The supernatural elements in Macbeth play a crucial role in shaping the theme of ambition. The witches, with their cryptic prophecies, act as catalysts for Macbeth’s ambition. Their opening line, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair," sets the tone for the moral ambiguity that defines the play. By presenting Macbeth with tantalising visions of power, the witches tap into his latent desires, yet they never instruct him to act. This ambiguity raises questions about the extent to which Macbeth’s ambition is self-driven versus externally influenced.

The apparitions conjured by the witches further fuel Macbeth’s ambition and overconfidence. The prophecy that "none of woman born shall harm Macbeth" gives him a false sense of invincibility, encouraging his tyrannical behavior. However, the witches’ manipulative nature reminds the audience that ambition, when intertwined with the supernatural, becomes even more perilous, leading characters to misinterpret their fate and act rashly.

The Consequences of Ambition

Throughout the play, Shakespeare highlights the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. For Macbeth, ambition leads to moral corruption, paranoia, and isolation. He becomes a shadow of his former self, losing the loyalty and respect of his peers. By the end of the play, Macbeth reflects on the futility of his ambition in his poignant soliloquy:

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day..."

This speech captures Macbeth’s despair, as he realises that his relentless pursuit of power has rendered life meaningless. His ambition has not brought fulfillment but rather emptiness and inevitable defeat.

Similarly, Lady Macbeth’s demise underscores the personal toll of ambition. Her initial strength and resolve give way to guilt and madness, leading to her tragic death. Her journey serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that ambition without moral boundaries leads to self-destruction.

On a broader scale, ambition in Macbeth reflects the societal consequences of pursuing power at any cost. Macbeth’s reign is marked by tyranny and bloodshed, destabilizing the kingdom and plunging Scotland into chaos. Shakespeare thus critiques the destructive impact of ambition on both individuals and society, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and collective responsibility.

Conclusion

In Macbeth, Shakespeare portrays ambition as a double-edged sword—capable of inspiring greatness but also leading to ruin. Through Macbeth’s moral downfall and Lady Macbeth’s psychological collapse, the play explores the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. It serves as a timeless cautionary tale, reminding audiences of the perils of prioritizing personal gain over ethical considerations. Ultimately, Macbeth reveals that ambition, when pursued without regard for morality, leads not to glory but to destruction, both personal and societal.