Ambition, Courage, and Violence in Macbeth

This page provides a comprehensive overview of three major themes in Shakespeare's "Macbeth": ambition, courage, and violence. Each theme is explored through key moments in the play, relevant context, and significant quotations.

Ambition in Macbeth

The theme of ambition is central to the play, driving the plot and leading to the downfall of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Key moments illustrating this theme include:

1. Act 1, Scene 3: The witches plant seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind.
2. Act 1, Scene 5: Lady Macbeth fears Macbeth lacks ruthless ambition.
3. Act 1, Scene 7: Lady Macbeth gives Macbeth the final push to fulfill his ambitions.
4. Act 3, Scenes 1 and 2: Macbeth's ambition leads to the murder of Banquo.

Context: Shakespeare's purpose in exploring ambition could be to show its corrupting effects on individuals. The downfall of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is caused by their fatal flaw of unchecked ambition.

Quote: Lady Macbeth's words in Act 1, Scene 5 reveal her perception of Macbeth's ambition: "Art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it."

Quote: Macbeth himself acknowledges his ambition in Act 1, Scene 7: "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition."

Courage in Macbeth

The concept of courage is examined throughout the play, with characters displaying different forms of bravery. Key moments include:

1. Act 1, Scene 2: Macbeth's bravery is praised.
2. Act 1, Scene 7: Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth's courage.
3. Act 2, Scene 3: Macbeth defends killing Duncan's servants.
4. Act 4, Scene 3: Macduff must show courage to avenge Macbeth.
5. Act 5, Scene 3: Macbeth's courage comes from the belief he is invincible.
6. Act 5, Scene 8: Macbeth bravely fights to the end.

Context: Shakespeare's play questions the nature of courage, asking whether it means taking what you want regardless of consequences, or having the strength to restrain desires (as exemplified by Banquo).

Quote: The Sergeant's words in Act 1, Scene 2 establish Macbeth's initial reputation for bravery: "Brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name."

Quote: Macbeth's declaration in Act 5, Scene 3 shows his reckless courage: "I will not be afraid of death and bane, till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane."

Violence in Macbeth

Violence permeates the play, with its consequences spiraling out of control. Key moments include:

1. Act 1, Scene 5: Lady Macbeth calls on evil spirits.
2. Act 1, Scene 7: Lady Macbeth discusses the idea of killing her children rather than breaking a promise.
3. Act 4, Scene 3: Macduff discovers his family has been murdered.
4. Act 5, Scene 3: Macbeth's violence spirals out of control.

Context: Shakespeare shows how violent acts lead to more violent acts. After using violence to become king, Macbeth must continue to use violence to keep his crown until violence is all he has left.

Quote: Lady Macbeth's chilling words in Act 1, Scene 7 reveal her capacity for violence: "I have given suck, and know how tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, And dash'd the brains out."

Quote: Macbeth's descent into violence is evident in Act 5, Scene 3: "I'll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack'd."

The page also touches on themes of deceit, the supernatural, and guilt, providing key moments and quotations for each. These interconnected themes contribute to the rich tapestry of Shakespeare's tragedy, exploring the depths of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition and violence.