Role Of Ambition In Macbeth
Thomas Zimmerman
Mrs. Simpson
English 10H P.3
9 February, 2018
Following Ambition’s Path
Ambition. When used by most humans, it can lead to dynamic or destructive outcomes, yet nobody really knows where it comes from. This brings up two very important questions: ¨Where does ambition come from, and what is its purpose?¨ In modern day life, these questions can be answered effortlessly. In regard to classic and contemporary literature, however, the answers are more strenuous to pursue. Not only is it used regularly in literature, it is often misunderstood. Within the minds of some people, such as Macbeth, Donald Trump, and Jack, ambition is seen as practical to their purpose, yet to the world, those interests are seen as destructive. Looking through …show more content…
However, many of these dissenting goals are inspirational and rewarding based on the point of view of the antagonist, as shown in classic literature. In a play written by Shakespeare, the main antagonist Macbeth began to carry tremendous weight upon his shoulders as he is told to slay his friends and take to the throne by his wife. The sick ambition consumed him and guided his vision astray, directing him to the murderers and saying that “Fleance his son, that keeps him company,/ Whose absence is no less material to me/ Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate/ Of that dark hour” (III.i. 136-39). Macbeth’s ambition for king got the better of him as he kills Banquo, his best friend and partner, without blinking an eye. In his eyes, this is all part of a more sinister plan to become king, yet to the rest of the world, he is seen as greedy and selfish. Retaliation commences and ambition is tested, but eventually Macbeth is released from the chains controlling him. Although the ambitions he pursued seemed horrid, it was his choice. Throughout time and history, people have been judged on the choices they make, and change to meet the needs of the others. Macbeth defied that, refusing to let the world change what he believed in, which shows his compelling ambition and drive towards his …show more content…
The way people perceive ambition, however, is more tenacious than anything else. No matter what, ambition will always be there to guide you along the path to success, no matter good or bad, but just remember to not listen to the people who try to cut you down. Listen to Macbeth, but overcome those who oppose you with powerful ideas and dreams. Be like Jack, and have fun with your ideas and dreams. Dream like Trump, and one day your ideas will have a greater influence on the world as we know it. If we choose to follow the path that ambition will take us upon, turning a blind eye to those who chose the left road, we will be led to the
Mrs. Simpson
English 10H P.3
9 February, 2018
Following Ambition’s Path
Ambition. When used by most humans, it can lead to dynamic or destructive outcomes, yet nobody really knows where it comes from. This brings up two very important questions: ¨Where does ambition come from, and what is its purpose?¨ In modern day life, these questions can be answered effortlessly. In regard to classic and contemporary literature, however, the answers are more strenuous to pursue. Not only is it used regularly in literature, it is often misunderstood. Within the minds of some people, such as Macbeth, Donald Trump, and Jack, ambition is seen as practical to their purpose, yet to the world, those interests are seen as destructive. Looking through …show more content…
However, many of these dissenting goals are inspirational and rewarding based on the point of view of the antagonist, as shown in classic literature. In a play written by Shakespeare, the main antagonist Macbeth began to carry tremendous weight upon his shoulders as he is told to slay his friends and take to the throne by his wife. The sick ambition consumed him and guided his vision astray, directing him to the murderers and saying that “Fleance his son, that keeps him company,/ Whose absence is no less material to me/ Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate/ Of that dark hour” (III.i. 136-39). Macbeth’s ambition for king got the better of him as he kills Banquo, his best friend and partner, without blinking an eye. In his eyes, this is all part of a more sinister plan to become king, yet to the rest of the world, he is seen as greedy and selfish. Retaliation commences and ambition is tested, but eventually Macbeth is released from the chains controlling him. Although the ambitions he pursued seemed horrid, it was his choice. Throughout time and history, people have been judged on the choices they make, and change to meet the needs of the others. Macbeth defied that, refusing to let the world change what he believed in, which shows his compelling ambition and drive towards his …show more content…
The way people perceive ambition, however, is more tenacious than anything else. No matter what, ambition will always be there to guide you along the path to success, no matter good or bad, but just remember to not listen to the people who try to cut you down. Listen to Macbeth, but overcome those who oppose you with powerful ideas and dreams. Be like Jack, and have fun with your ideas and dreams. Dream like Trump, and one day your ideas will have a greater influence on the world as we know it. If we choose to follow the path that ambition will take us upon, turning a blind eye to those who chose the left road, we will be led to the