Macbeth's "Vaulting Ambition"

A detailed Summary of Macbeth's "Vaulting Ambition"

Macbeth's "Vaulting Ambition" Puts Him in an Evil Frame of Mind

A favorable character trait, when carried to the point of obsession, can often have disastrous effects. William Shakespeare particularly highlights this idea in his tragedy Macbeth. Macbeth's actions are the result of his own ambitions to be king.

Macbeth's reaction to the witches' prophecies is one example of his ambition to be king. Macbeth is told he will become Thane of Cawdor and soon after king. When he hears the news, he takes it seriously; meanwhile, Banquo is uncertain about what has been told. Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he has become the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth then realizes that two of the prophecies have come true. Macbeth wants to become king. The temptation of murder ran through his mind.

Bloom, Harold ed.Macbeth. New York: Chelsea House

ants to fulfill his ambition to be king. Killing Duncan is vital in this case. Initially, he is hesitant, but by the help of his wife and "his vaulting ambition", he kills Duncan. It is noted that "Having succumbed to his ambition to gain the crown by whatever means, Macbeth murders Duncan, a guest in his own castle, and this deed inexorably commits him to a career of evil which leads to ruin" (Lamar 8).

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Ed. Sidney Lamb. Lincoln:

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Approximate Word count = 540
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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Macbeth's "Vaulting Ambition"

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