Ambition is vital in human behaviour, encouraging one to advance and fullfill their goals. Arguably, it is seen by many to be the foundation of success. However, ambition is a significantly abstract concept. It is necessary to acknowledge that unrepressed ambition can lead to one's failure. In the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is driven by the eagerness to obtain more power due to the witches' prophecies. When ambition motivates a person, then they will likely become obsessed with their goal leading to changing their fate. However, Macbeth demonstrates that ambition driven by obsession is ultimately destructive and will lead almost certainly to one's demise.
At the start of the play, society knows Macbeth to be a courageous warrior that is loyal to the crown. When Macbeth murders the traitorous Macdonwald, he gains the respect of King Duncan, which leads to him becoming the Thane of Cawdor. Due to his bravery, he is well respected by many and has a sterling reputation. However, his courage dissipates in his relationship with Lady Macbeth. Lady refers to Macbeth as a "coward" or "too full of human kindness" and frequently emasculates him throughout the play. This behaviour is especially seen after Macbeth hesitates on murdering King Duncan for the crown. He refers to himself as Duncan's kinsman, subject, and host. Moreover, Macbeth makes it clear he cannot spur himself to action, insisting that the "only thing motivating [him] is ambition." Nevertheless, Lady Macbeth's emasculation persuades Macbeth to resume with the murder. Ironically, Macbeth states near the end of the act that "[ambition] makes people rush themselves forward to disaster." Macbeth recognizes that a goal with only ambition can lead to one's downfall, which foreshadows his fate.
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