Macbeth’s Ambition as the Cause of His Poor Decisions that Lead to Problems
Many people have proposed theories on why humans encounter suffering. Some believed suffering was punishment for sins committed in a past life, others argued suffering was just a part of a larger master plan for human existence. In his play Macbeth, William Shakespeare sets forth the idea that individuals problems are caused by their own decisions. In Macbeth it becomes obvious that Macbeths problems are caused by his own decisions.
Macbeth is a noble but overly ambitious man. Macbeth begins the play as … brave Macbeth…, a noble warrior fighting for his king against a traitorous enemy(1.2.18). Macbeth, however, is not content to be the kings servant however noble that position may be. When Macbeth receives word that he will be thane of Cawdor, the ambition within him takes root and begins to grow. Macbeth believes that there are far greater things in store for him than just being the thane of Cawdor, Macbeth begins to set his goals a bit higher when he tells himself If Chance will have me king, why chance may crown me… (1.4.157-8).
Macbeth is beginning to strive for something greater and has a great desire for the witches prophecy; All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!, to become reality(1.3.53). Though Macbeth tells himself he will allow chance to crown him king, he is in fact beginning to ponder the option of forcing the hand of chance. Macbeths discontent with his station in life and his overleaping ambition set the stage for the ruin of a noble man.
Macbeth consciously chooses to pursue his ambition to be King, though he understands this ambition is wrong. When Macbeth states Stars hide your fires, Let not light see my black desires and deep desires(1.4.57-58), it is apparent that Macbeth is keenly aware that his ambition to be king is unnatural and evil. Later Macbeth states, speaking of Duncan Hes here in double trust; First I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then as his host who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself.
(1.7.12-16). Macbeth realizes that to commit regicide against Duncan is wrong not only because Duncan is his king, but also because as Duncans host he is obligated to protect his king. Macbeth comprehends that both his ambitions and the actions needed to fulfill his ambitions are wrong, yet he still chooses to pursue his ambition. Macbeth is… settled, and bend up. Each corporal agent to this terrible feat, and mock the time with the fairest show: False face must hide what the false heart doth know. (1.7.92-5). Macbeth readies himself to murder Duncan and instructs himself to put up a facade to deceive others. Macbeth has chosen to pursue his ambition, and now wishes to seem inconspicuous. Macbeth convinces himself to commit an act which he knows to be evil, and therefore faces an equally evil fate.
Macbeths continuing disdain for fate only hastens his demise. Throughout the play Macbeth is shown to be an ambitious character, but it his actions after he has realized his goal of becoming king that truly show his downfall is his own doing. Macbeth is not content to be the king. He also wishes to defy the witches prophecy that Banquo will beget a long line of kings and that he will have no royal descendants, by arranging for the death of Banquo and his son Fleance.
Macbeth decides It is concluded Banquo, thy souls flight, If it find heaven must find it out to-night.(3.2.161-162). Macbeth is not content with being king, believing the office is nothing but a fruitless crown instead he is so ambitious that he wishes to change the fate the witches have prescribed, though he is well aware that their previous prophecies have come true (3.1.66). Macbeths attempt to change fate only places suspicion of murder on him, only hastening his downfall
Throughout the play Macbeth is guided not by his intelligent and rational mind, but rather by his foolish and greedy ego. Macbeth is blinded by his ambition and does things that he knows to be wrong, and knows will lead to his ultimate failure. A persons fate is governed by the decisions they make and in Shakespeares Macbeth the decisions of Macbeth do lead to his ultimate, untimely demise. The lesson Macbeth teaches all who read it, is that those who allow themselves to be blinded by their ambition, and overtaken by their ego, will pay for the foolish decisions they will invariably make.
