The play “Macbeth” was written by William Shakespeare, and throughout the play Shakespeare conveys a theme of ambition successfully. From the outset of the play, the protagonist is described as noble and valiant. He is spoken highly by the king of Scotland and is found to be well respected. As the play comes to a close the audience will now find that Macbeth, the once noble hero, is actually a bloodthirsty tyrant, who believes all people are lower than him; willing to slaughter any that comes in his way. Shakespeare effectively shows Macbeth’s ambition to become king of Scotland through use of soliloquy.
One example of how the theme of ambition is portrayed well by William Shakespeare throughout Macbeth, is when the news breaks that Malcom, King Duncan’s son, was selected to be the new king of Scotland instead of him. “stars hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires.” Upon this being said Macbeth is uttering this in what is known as an “aside.” This is when a character speaks and it’s heard by the audience and no characters on the play can hear. He uses this effectively as it highlights a darker more evil side of Macbeth the audience have never encountered before during the play. This side of Macbeth comes through when he realises, that if he wants to become the King of the nation of Scotland, he has to be able to kill King Duncan and his son Malcom; who is set to be Duke of Cumberland and King after his father. He also realises that he is more than capable of doing so himself.
Another prime example of Shakespeares use of the theme of ambition is shortly after Macbeth hears of the prophecy from the witches. “I have no spur, to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’ other.” This gives the audience another look into the evil side of Macbeth as he has just admitted to himself that he has no other drive to kill King Duncan besides his thirst for power.
The next good example of the theme of ambition during William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is after Macbeth is crowned King and Duncan is dead.However, Macbeth is still troubled by the fact that Banquo was alongside Macbeth when three witches had alerted Macbeth of the prophecy; where it was announced that he would be king hereafter, Macbeth fears that Banquo will become suspicious and realise Macbeth is guilty of the murder of Duncan. “To be thus is nothing; but to be safely thus.” This means that to Macbeth being King is nothing if he cannot be protected as the king; and Banquo poses as a threat This is the start of Macbeths true descent into insanity and the build up to him becoming a tyrant. He soon takes action and bas decided to hire three murderers to assassinate Banquo and his son Fleance. After this deed is done he feels his spot on the throne is more than secure and highlights just how ambitious he is to be King.
A strong method used to convey the theme of ambition especially at this point in the play is with the use of soliloquy. It has been revealed that Macduff has fled to England to seek help from Macbeths ways of ruling. His descent into madness is shown clearly as he decides what consequence he will deliver to Macduff. “The castle of Macduff, I will surprise, seize upon, fife, give to th’edge o’th’ sword, his wife, his babes and all unfortunate” Macbeth intends to take Macduffs castle by storm and murder all of the castles occupants inside. Whether it is his children, wife or his maid; if in anyway connected to Macduff they will be killed and not him; simply to make him suffer more all because Macduff does not want to accept Macbeth as king of Scotland.
Towards the end of the play, Shakespeare gives prominence to the theme of ambition near the end of the play when he is in his battle with Macduff. Macbeth has discovered that there is a chance the new prophecy he has been given could become true; and he could possibly die. “I will not yield to kiss the ground before, young Malcom’s feet. And to be buried with the robbles curse” this shows his ambition as he is fighting for his life but he is still not ready to quit and let himself die easily. Macbeth is assuring that Macduff is aware that this fight will end with one of them dead. This shows his ambition to keep the throne to the point he will fight an army of his own country until he can fight no more.
In conclusion William Shakespeare successfully makes clear the theme of ambition through techniques such as soliloquy and on stage asides.