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Theme 1 Macbeth-Ambition(Hamartia) - Coggle Diagram
Theme 1 Macbeth-Ambition(Hamartia)
Macbeth's fatal flaw(hamartia) seen by many is his growing ambition. Macbeth's ambition is initially ignited through the interaction he and Banquo have with the witches in which he is told 'that shalt be king hereafter'
Despite the interaction being odd, the ambition within Macbeth has already been sparked
'stay you, imperfect speakers, tell me more'
shows that despite him identifying the witches as being 'imperfect' he is willing to let them continue to cultivate his ego and grow his ambition.
Although it can be argued the witches spur Macbeth's ambition another catalyst is his wife, Lady Macbeth. She convinces Macbeth into killing King Duncan, despite this it could be argued that Lady Macbeth has no real influence of Macbeth's ambition as the killing of Duncan was unknown to her. Evidence of Macbeth's ambition now becoming his hamartia, Shakespeare is trying to say that ambition id good in doses, but overextended use can lead to bad side effects. In this case Macbeth suffers from great guilt and hallucinations
Therefore ambition is portrayed as a drug.
Quotes to support:
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Ambition can also be seen as negative through Macbeth's frequent euphemistic language regarding the killing of King Duncan.
Banquo is also seen as a victim of ambition. despite him being overall a moral character, Banquo deliberates on the prophecies given to him and whether he should entertain them as Macbeth does. Ultimately Shakespeare is trying to say that ambition can be the downfall of
any good man
'Can the devil speak true'
'but that myself should be the root and father of many kings'
'But hush no more'
Through Banquo, Shakespeare is trying to show that ambition can affect anyone, but it is left for that person to control it and put a stop to it, before it gets out of hand.
'If you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak to me then'
Banquo sacrificing his son is a perfect example of his ambition. Though it could seem like a noble sacrifice, he's keeping his son alive is not purely out of love but for ambition also. If his son were to become King the glory that it would bring to the family name would carry on forever. So Banquo also does display ambition just like the other characters.
Macbeth's ambition is portrayed through the use of fire. Previously it was 'enkindled' to a 'combustion'
'Vaulting ambition'
'I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting Ambition which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other'
Macbeth recognises he has ambition, but has no real drive to capitalize on it. Many would say that
Lady Macbeth
is the
'spur'
that drives Macbeth to actualise his ambition.
Lady Macbeth says
'art not without ambition'
suggesting that Macbeth does have ambition, but does not possess the qualities needed to fulfil them
Lady Macbeth also displays signs of ambition. Following the receival of Macbeth's letter,
Ambition of the witches
'All you have done hath been for a wayward son...loves for his own ends, not for you"
Is the hamartia presented as love? The witches cannot receive any form of love because of their detestable appearance- they are outcasts. They turn to witchcraft in order to replace the missing hole- Macbeth's dependence on the witches could be a twisted way of the witches seeking to receive love and affection.
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Is Shakespeare alluding to the marginalisation of women in society- what they really want is love and understanding? Rather, at the time, they were forced into arranged marriages to gain security, in the form of political alliances and so forth.