Ambition and Manipulation in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

Ambition and Manipulation in Shakespeare's Tragedy of 'Macbeth'

In William Shakespeare's tragic play, 'Macbeth,' characters often struggle with their own desires and moral decisions. One central theme is the character trait known as ambition, which can drive individuals towards success at any cost. This essay will explore how ambition intersects with another key theme in the play—manipulation—and its effects on the lives of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Ambition

Ambition refers to the desire to achieve greatness or power by one's own efforts rather than through inheritance. In 'Macbeth,' this characteristic becomes apparent early on when the witches prophesy that he will become king after King Duncan dies. However, it is his wife, Lady Macbeth, who first urges him to act upon these ambitions. She spurs her husband into action by reminding him that his descent from royalty means nothing without the concrete actions needed to secure kingship.

As the plot unfolds, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth demonstrate how far they are willing to go to fulfill their aspirations. They commit multiple murders to maintain control over Scotland's throne. Their unwavering determination to hold onto power showcases just how powerfully driving ambition can be.

Manipulation

Manipulation in literature typically involves deceiving others to get what you want or need. It can also refer to coercion of friends or family members for personal gain. In 'Macbeth', we see various forms of manipulation used throughout the play. For instance, the three witches purposely mislead Macbeth during their encounter at the beginning of Act II, Scene I, making claims about future events that they know to be false.

But perhaps more notably, Lady Macbeth herself uses manipulative tactics to motivate her husband. Her persistent persuasion leads them down the path of murder, where each subsequent crime only further complicates matters. As she says to him, "What beast was't then / That made you break this enterprise to me?". Her speech serves to illustrate how easily men can be swayed by those around them if the right incentive is presented.

Furthermore, there's evidence suggesting that Macbeth himself may have been influenced by outside forces before meeting with the witches; while staying at his castle, he sees a vision of eight armed knights bearing a golden tree; this apparition convinces him that fate is on his side and reinforces his decision to follow through. His susceptibility to such visions highlights how external factors can impact one's internal motivations.

The combination of ambition and manipulation makes it difficult for readers to sympathize with either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth since their extreme behavior ultimately leads to disaster. Yet, understanding why they behave this way helps us appreciate Shakespeare's masterful portrayal of human nature under pressure. By exploring themes like ambition and manipulation within 'Macbeth', students of literature can better understand complex issues surrounding motivation and morality.