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Ambition is generally considered to be one of them main themes of Macbeth. Most sites list ambition as being Macbeth's hamartia - which is the weakness that causes someone's downfall. Sparknotes, describes it like this:
Ambition is generally considered to be one of them main themes of Macbeth. Most sites list ambition as being Macbeth's hamartia - which is the weakness that causes someone's downfall. Sparknotes, describes it like this:
"The main theme of Macbeth—the destruction wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints—finds its most powerful expression in the play’s two main characters. Macbeth is a courageous Scottish general who is not naturally inclined to commit evil deeds, yet he deeply desires power and advancement."
"The main theme of Macbeth—the destruction wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints—finds its most powerful expression in the play’s two main characters. Macbeth is a courageous Scottish general who is not naturally inclined to commit evil deeds, yet he deeply desires power and advancement."
It goes on to say:
It goes on to say:
"Although he is encouraged by the Witches, Macbeth’s true downfall is his own ambition. Lady Macbeth is as ambitious as her husband, encouraging him to commit murder to achieve their goals."
"Although he is encouraged by the Witches, Macbeth’s true downfall is his own ambition. Lady Macbeth is as ambitious as her husband, encouraging him to commit murder to achieve their goals."
You'll find variants of this idea on most websites and in most interpretations of the play. Controversially, I'm offering another reading of the play. You can take it or leave it, or - if you're smart enough - you'll just be able to offer this as one interpretation, while appreciating that there can be others.
You'll find variants of this idea on most websites and in most interpretations of the play. Controversially, I'm offering another reading of the play. You can take it or leave it, or - if you're smart enough - you'll just be able to offer this as one interpretation, while appreciating that there can be others.
And remember that any interpretation of the play is fine as long as it is backed up with evidence from the text.
And remember that any interpretation of the play is fine as long as it is backed up with evidence from the text.
My argument in a nutshell:
My argument in a nutshell:
Macbeth wasn't ambitious the throne, but was the victim of a magic spell that made him want to kill Duncan. The witches planted the idea into his head - almost like he gets possessed - and the play isn't actually about Macbeth's ambition at all, but a quite misogynistic play that warns the audience about the dangers of witchcraft.
Macbeth wasn't ambitious the throne, but was the victim of a magic spell that made him want to kill Duncan. The witches planted the idea into his head - almost like he gets possessed - and the play isn't actually about Macbeth's ambition at all, but a quite misogynistic play that warns the audience about the dangers of witchcraft.
Macbeth at the opening of the play
Macbeth at the opening of the play
You never get a second chance to make a first impression; that's good advice. And it's never more important than for a writer of fiction. The first impression we get of a character sets their story in motion; we're going to make all our judgements of them based on what is established about them at the beginning of a story. It's also worth bearing in mind that Shakespeare could have started this story anywhere, with Macbeth doing anything.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression; that's good advice. And it's never more important than for a writer of fiction. The first impression we get of a character sets their story in motion; we're going to make all our judgements of them based on what is established about them at the beginning of a story. It's also worth bearing in mind that Shakespeare could have started this story anywhere, with Macbeth doing anything.
As it happens, the first time we encounter Macbeth it's through a story told by a sergeant about how Macbeth has almost single-handedly won a battle in support of Duncan. From an audience's point of view, this says a few key things about Macbeth: he's brave, he's tough, he's a perfect macho hero. But, most importantly, Shakespeare establishes that Macbeth is loyal to Duncan. And there's a few key quotes that confirm this:
As it happens, the first time we encounter Macbeth it's through a story told by a sergeant about how Macbeth has almost single-handedly won a battle in support of Duncan. From an audience's point of view, this says a few key things about Macbeth: he's brave, he's tough, he's a perfect macho hero. But, most importantly, Shakespeare establishes that Macbeth is loyal to Duncan. And there's a few key quotes that confirm this:
Brave Macbeth, well he deserves that name: This quote establishes Macbeth as a real Jacobean hero - the name here refers to a title, as though he's become Sir Macbeth, or Lord Macbeth; but in this case it's Brave Macbeth. Names and titles were VERY important to Jacobean men - your name was in many ways your most sacred possession.
Brave Macbeth, well he deserves that name: This quote establishes Macbeth as a real Jacobean hero - the name here refers to a title, as though he's become Sir Macbeth, or Lord Macbeth; but in this case it's Brave Macbeth. Names and titles were VERY important to Jacobean men - your name was in many ways your most sacred possession.
His sword smoked with bloody execution: Alongside making it clear that Macbeth's blade was moving so quickly it caused smoke, this quote establishes that Macbeth is a killer but NOT a murderer: he's an executioner. This means he kills with the king's law on his side and establishes that, at this stage in the play, he is definitely fighting for Duncan.
His sword smoked with bloody execution: Alongside making it clear that Macbeth's blade was moving so quickly it caused smoke, this quote establishes that Macbeth is a killer but NOT a murderer: he's an executioner. This means he kills with the king's law on his side and establishes that, at this stage in the play, he is definitely fighting for Duncan.
He carved his passage: This is interesting as it suggests that Macbeth isn't someone who's easily led astray. Given the fact that he ends up killing Duncan against his wishes this seems strange - unless there's something more at play than simple persuasion. This would seem strange except that the people doing the persuading are actual magical witches (and his wife, who's probably a witch as well)
He carved his passage: This is interesting as it suggests that Macbeth isn't someone who's easily led astray. Given the fact that he ends up killing Duncan against his wishes this seems strange - unless there's something more at play than simple persuasion. This would seem strange except that the people doing the persuading are actual magical witches (and his wife, who's probably a witch as well)
Disdaining fortune: Again, this is interesting: the phrase suggests that Macbeth "disdains" - which means doesn't like, or dismisses - "fortune." Here, fortune could mean money, which suggests he wouldn't kill Duncan for cash; or "fortune" could mean fate or prophecy - which suggests that he isn't the kind of guy to be led astray by something as simple as a prophecy. But was there more to the prophecy than just a suggestion, and is this really saying that even someone as brave and independent as Macbeth could be led astray when magic is involved.
Disdaining fortune: Again, this is interesting: the phrase suggests that Macbeth "disdains" - which means doesn't like, or dismisses - "fortune." Here, fortune could mean money, which suggests he wouldn't kill Duncan for cash; or "fortune" could mean fate or prophecy - which suggests that he isn't the kind of guy to be led astray by something as simple as a prophecy. But was there more to the prophecy than just a suggestion, and is this really saying that even someone as brave and independent as Macbeth could be led astray when magic is involved.
Bellona's bridegroom: This is a great, and often under-appreciated image. Bellona was the wife of Mars, who was the Roman God of War. So in this image, Ross is comparing Macbeth to Mars, the god of war. However, here, Macbeth isn't the focus of the image, Bellona is - the wife of Mars. In a wonderfully subtle way, Shakespeare is reminded us that even here - in his moment of triumph - Macbeth is playing second-fiddle to the really violent psychopath in the play: his wife!
Bellona's bridegroom: This is a great, and often under-appreciated image. Bellona was the wife of Mars, who was the Roman God of War. So in this image, Ross is comparing Macbeth to Mars, the god of war. However, here, Macbeth isn't the focus of the image, Bellona is - the wife of Mars. In a wonderfully subtle way, Shakespeare is reminded us that even here - in his moment of triumph - Macbeth is playing second-fiddle to the really violent psychopath in the play: his wife!
I have won golden opinions of late: Here, Macbeth is talking about his rise to the position of Thane of Cawdor. He's clearly proud of what he's won, and doesn't want anymore. This line comes just after he's said that he doesn't want to kill Duncan and is a pretty clear sign that he's "not without ambition" but isn't drowning in a sea of it!
I have won golden opinions of late: Here, Macbeth is talking about his rise to the position of Thane of Cawdor. He's clearly proud of what he's won, and doesn't want anymore. This line comes just after he's said that he doesn't want to kill Duncan and is a pretty clear sign that he's "not without ambition" but isn't drowning in a sea of it!
Macbeth meets the Witches
Macbeth meets the Witches
During the opening of the play, Macbeth is presented as being fiercely loyal to Duncan, but by the end of Act 1 Scene 3 he's thinking of killing Duncan and stealing the throne. So something must have changed during this scene. There are two obvious answers here:
During the opening of the play, Macbeth is presented as being fiercely loyal to Duncan, but by the end of Act 1 Scene 3 he's thinking of killing Duncan and stealing the throne. So something must have changed during this scene. There are two obvious answers here:
a) the witches awoke his own desire; or
a) the witches awoke his own desire; or
b) he was placed under the influence of a magic spell.
b) he was placed under the influence of a magic spell.
Evidence:
Evidence:
Macbeth: So fair and foul a day I have not seen: Macbeth's first line in the play paraphrases (which means almost quotes) the witches' chant from the opening. Surely this is Shakespeare suggesting that he's already under their influence?
Macbeth: So fair and foul a day I have not seen: Macbeth's first line in the play paraphrases (which means almost quotes) the witches' chant from the opening. Surely this is Shakespeare suggesting that he's already under their influence?
Banquo: Why do you seem to fear things which do sound so fair: Here, Banquo is describing Macbeth's reactions to what the witches have said, which begs the question: if Macbeth had wanted to be king, why did he "fear" the witches' words? This seems more like the reactions of someone who didn't want to be king - a fact that fits much more neatly with the character we've heard about up to this point.
Banquo: Why do you seem to fear things which do sound so fair: Here, Banquo is describing Macbeth's reactions to what the witches have said, which begs the question: if Macbeth had wanted to be king, why did he "fear" the witches' words? This seems more like the reactions of someone who didn't want to be king - a fact that fits much more neatly with the character we've heard about up to this point.
Macbeth: To be king stands not within the prospect of belief: Macbeth clearly doesn't think it's possible to be king, so can he really be described as being ambitious for the throne? Also, this line suggests that being king isn't something he's ever really thought of before and so it doesn't make sense to say that he was ambitious for the throne before this scene.
Macbeth: To be king stands not within the prospect of belief: Macbeth clearly doesn't think it's possible to be king, so can he really be described as being ambitious for the throne? Also, this line suggests that being king isn't something he's ever really thought of before and so it doesn't make sense to say that he was ambitious for the throne before this scene.
Banquo: Look how my partner's rapt: To be "rapt" by something was to be lost in a kind of religious trace - the phrase comes from the rapture. Just after Macbeth hears what the witches say Banquo says that he becomes "rapt" - is this Shakespeare describing someone going through a kind of possession? This is the moment when the witches take control.
Banquo: Look how my partner's rapt: To be "rapt" by something was to be lost in a kind of religious trace - the phrase comes from the rapture. Just after Macbeth hears what the witches say Banquo says that he becomes "rapt" - is this Shakespeare describing someone going through a kind of possession? This is the moment when the witches take control.
Macbeth: The thought of murder "shakes so my single state of man that function of smothered": This is Macbeth saying that the thought of killing Duncan is so abhorrent to his masculinity that he thinks he won't be able to do it.
Macbeth: The thought of murder "shakes so my single state of man that function of smothered": This is Macbeth saying that the thought of killing Duncan is so abhorrent to his masculinity that he thinks he won't be able to do it.
Macbeth: If chance will have me crowned, why then chance can crown me without my stir: This comes at the end of the scene, and it's basically Macbeth saying 'oh well, if I'm meant to be king I guess it'll happen but I'm not doing anything about it.' Whatever else you can say about his ambition, it definitely isn't very strong.
Macbeth: If chance will have me crowned, why then chance can crown me without my stir: This comes at the end of the scene, and it's basically Macbeth saying 'oh well, if I'm meant to be king I guess it'll happen but I'm not doing anything about it.' Whatever else you can say about his ambition, it definitely isn't very strong.
Looking back over those lines, we see someone who hadn't thought of being king before, who gets lost in some kind of religious trance - after having met some witches on a heath - that he then starts thinking of doing something that he find horrible. Reflecting on that, it's worth comparing this line to the comment from SparkNotes at the top of the page where they claim that Macbeth "deeply desires power" and that his ambition "goes unchecked" (which means his ambition is out of control.)
Looking back over those lines, we see someone who hadn't thought of being king before, who gets lost in some kind of religious trance - after having met some witches on a heath - that he then starts thinking of doing something that he find horrible. Reflecting on that, it's worth comparing this line to the comment from SparkNotes at the top of the page where they claim that Macbeth "deeply desires power" and that his ambition "goes unchecked" (which means his ambition is out of control.)
So here we have someone who "deeply desires power" and yet has never thought that being king is possible; and whose ambition is out of control and yet who says he'll do nothing about it. It's difficult to see where SparkNotes are getting their ideas from...
So here we have someone who "deeply desires power" and yet has never thought that being king is possible; and whose ambition is out of control and yet who says he'll do nothing about it. It's difficult to see where SparkNotes are getting their ideas from...
The most important line in the play?
The most important line in the play?
According to my reading of the play, Macbeth wasn't particularly ambitious for the throne and yet, during Act 1 Scene 3, he started to think about killing Duncan. What happened there? For me the answer lies in two words from this speech.
According to my reading of the play, Macbeth wasn't particularly ambitious for the throne and yet, during Act 1 Scene 3, he started to think about killing Duncan. What happened there? For me the answer lies in two words from this speech.
After he hears what the witches have to say, he says:
After he hears what the witches have to say, he says:
"why do I yield to that suggestion
"why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature?"
Against the use of nature?"
In a nutshell, this means: why I am i giving in to something that makes my hair stand up in horror, and my heart start to race in an uncomfortable way - and which is, most importantly: against my very nature.
In a nutshell, this means: why I am i giving in to something that makes my hair stand up in horror, and my heart start to race in an uncomfortable way - and which is, most importantly: against my very nature.
So, in this short speech, he says that the idea of killing Duncan makes him so scared that his hair stands up and his heart races, and is against his very nature - the most fundamental part of who he is. He's basically saying why is he starting to want to do this thing?
So, in this short speech, he says that the idea of killing Duncan makes him so scared that his hair stands up and his heart races, and is against his very nature - the most fundamental part of who he is. He's basically saying why is he starting to want to do this thing?
But the key words here are "yield" and "suggestion." And the fundamental question is: can you "yield" to a "suggestion" that has come from yourself?
But the key words here are "yield" and "suggestion." And the fundamental question is: can you "yield" to a "suggestion" that has come from yourself?
It's worth just clarifying what these words mean:
It's worth just clarifying what these words mean:
Yield: to give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.
Yield: to give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.
Suggestion: an idea or plan put forward for consideration.
Suggestion: an idea or plan put forward for consideration.
So: can you "give way to an argument, demand or pressure" and agree to "an idea or plan put forward for consideration" if that plan was your own?
So: can you "give way to an argument, demand or pressure" and agree to "an idea or plan put forward for consideration" if that plan was your own?
Surely you can only "give in" to an "idea" that has come from someone else... and if that's the case then the idea of killing Duncan didn't come from Macbeth - it came from the witches.
Surely you can only "give in" to an "idea" that has come from someone else... and if that's the case then the idea of killing Duncan didn't come from Macbeth - it came from the witches.
And if that's the case, then the entire play takes on a completely different meaning.
And if that's the case, then the entire play takes on a completely different meaning.
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is not like her husband. She is very ambitious and Shakespeare makes this clear right from the off.
Lady Macbeth is not like her husband. She is very ambitious and Shakespeare makes this clear right from the off.
During the opening 4 scenes in the play, we see Macbeth fight himself to the position of Thane of Cawdor - which was one of the highest positions in the Scottish nobility. However, as soon as Lady Macbeth appears on stage she starts worrying that he's not got what it takes to be really ambitious. It's a bit like seeing someone who's just played the best game in footballing history, and won the armband to be captain of Liverpool; but their wife starts complaining that they're not really ambitious as they're not captain of England too.
During the opening 4 scenes in the play, we see Macbeth fight himself to the position of Thane of Cawdor - which was one of the highest positions in the Scottish nobility. However, as soon as Lady Macbeth appears on stage she starts worrying that he's not got what it takes to be really ambitious. It's a bit like seeing someone who's just played the best game in footballing history, and won the armband to be captain of Liverpool; but their wife starts complaining that they're not really ambitious as they're not captain of England too.
Her exact words are that Macbeth is "not without ambition, but without the illness that would attend it." Some people have argued that this line suggests that Macbeth is ambitious, but the line "art not without ambition" isn't quite that. If I say my friend is coming to play football next week, and someone asks if they're any good and I say: "Well, they're not not good" you should probably manage your expectations regarding how good they actually are. In many ways, this is really Lady Macbeth saying that, in fact, he's not really that ambitious at all.
Her exact words are that Macbeth is "not without ambition, but without the illness that would attend it." Some people have argued that this line suggests that Macbeth is ambitious, but the line "art not without ambition" isn't quite that. If I say my friend is coming to play football next week, and someone asks if they're any good and I say: "Well, they're not not good" you should probably manage your expectations regarding how good they actually are. In many ways, this is really Lady Macbeth saying that, in fact, he's not really that ambitious at all.
When Macbeth arrives on stage a few moments later there is a very telling exchange: Lady Macbeth greets her husband with a long list of his titles, but Macbeth greets his wife by calling her "my dearest love." From this brief exchange, their first on stage, it would seem that Macbeth loves his wife, while she sees him as a means to success. It is absolutely true that women in Jacobean England weren't supposed to be ambitious for anything themselves; women achieved success if their husbands did, which means that for Lady Macbeth to achieve her own ambitions she has to motivate her husband.
When Macbeth arrives on stage a few moments later there is a very telling exchange: Lady Macbeth greets her husband with a long list of his titles, but Macbeth greets his wife by calling her "my dearest love." From this brief exchange, their first on stage, it would seem that Macbeth loves his wife, while she sees him as a means to success. It is absolutely true that women in Jacobean England weren't supposed to be ambitious for anything themselves; women achieved success if their husbands did, which means that for Lady Macbeth to achieve her own ambitions she has to motivate her husband.
When thinking about the plot to kill Duncan, it is definitely worth remembering Lady Macbeth's role in it: she suggested it, she planned it, and she made sure it was carried out effectively. The only thing she didn't do, in fact, was kill Duncan herself.
When thinking about the plot to kill Duncan, it is definitely worth remembering Lady Macbeth's role in it: she suggested it, she planned it, and she made sure it was carried out effectively. The only thing she didn't do, in fact, was kill Duncan herself.
Despite getting what she's always wanted, Lady Macbeth doesn't seem very happy. She doesn't have a moment where she celebrates what she's won, and the only real lines she has directly to the audience have her expressing some dismay and discomfort at what she has won. She admits that she got her "desire" but says it comes without her feeling "content." Eventually, this dissatisfaction catches up with her and she starts sleepwalking, riddled with guilt. It seems that she cannot escape what she has done, which is a shame as she didn't even seem to enjoy it while she had it!
Despite getting what she's always wanted, Lady Macbeth doesn't seem very happy. She doesn't have a moment where she celebrates what she's won, and the only real lines she has directly to the audience have her expressing some dismay and discomfort at what she has won. She admits that she got her "desire" but says it comes without her feeling "content." Eventually, this dissatisfaction catches up with her and she starts sleepwalking, riddled with guilt. It seems that she cannot escape what she has done, which is a shame as she didn't even seem to enjoy it while she had it!
Art not without ambition - Here Lady Macbeth confirms that her husband has some ambition, but probably not loads. He's not without ambition, but that isn't how you'd describe someone who was drowning in it!
Art not without ambition - Here Lady Macbeth confirms that her husband has some ambition, but probably not loads. He's not without ambition, but that isn't how you'd describe someone who was drowning in it!
Come you spirits - Perhaps Lady Macbeth's real ambitions stretch as far as ordering the spirits around? She certainly won't draw any lines underneath what she wants to achieve, including, where necessary, enlisting the help of the supernatural.
Come you spirits - Perhaps Lady Macbeth's real ambitions stretch as far as ordering the spirits around? She certainly won't draw any lines underneath what she wants to achieve, including, where necessary, enlisting the help of the supernatural.
Unsex me here - This is one of the most misunderstood lines in Macbeth. A lot of people talk about Lady Macbeth wanting to become more masculine here in order that she can seize power. However, the reality of the masculine codes of loyalty meant that it wouldn't have been possible for her to kill Duncan while remaining 'masculine.' Here, she asks to have gender removed entirely - so she's not constrained by feminine or masculine codes - and this would have made her able to kill Duncan and seize the throne.
Unsex me here - This is one of the most misunderstood lines in Macbeth. A lot of people talk about Lady Macbeth wanting to become more masculine here in order that she can seize power. However, the reality of the masculine codes of loyalty meant that it wouldn't have been possible for her to kill Duncan while remaining 'masculine.' Here, she asks to have gender removed entirely - so she's not constrained by feminine or masculine codes - and this would have made her able to kill Duncan and seize the throne.
My dearest love - Lady Macbeth lists Macbeth's titles when she meets him, he simply calls her "my dearest love." This shows that she's interested in his position, while he just loves her. It's interesting though as he calls her "dear" or "dearest" four times in the play, and something that is "dear" is precious, but "dear" also means expensive. And it is certainly true that Lady Macbeth's ambitions for the throne became very expensive for Macbeth.
My dearest love - Lady Macbeth lists Macbeth's titles when she meets him, he simply calls her "my dearest love." This shows that she's interested in his position, while he just loves her. It's interesting though as he calls her "dear" or "dearest" four times in the play, and something that is "dear" is precious, but "dear" also means expensive. And it is certainly true that Lady Macbeth's ambitions for the throne became very expensive for Macbeth.
What beast was't that made you break this enterprise to me - Lady Macbeth says this to Macbeth while they're arguing about whether to kill Duncan. Here, she's doing something called gaslighting him, which means she's claiming he's said something that he hadn't actually said. In fact, killing Duncan was Lady Macbeth's idea - she's the ambitious one after all.
What beast was't that made you break this enterprise to me - Lady Macbeth says this to Macbeth while they're arguing about whether to kill Duncan. Here, she's doing something called gaslighting him, which means she's claiming he's said something that he hadn't actually said. In fact, killing Duncan was Lady Macbeth's idea - she's the ambitious one after all.
Nought's had, all's spent where desire's got without content - this comes from Act 3 Scene 2, which is a great scene when looking at how the Macbeth's felt while they were on the throne. Lady Macbeth seems disappointed. She says that they've got nothing ("nought") but spent everything, and have for their "desire" but are not "content." She's basically a bit gutted that she's got what she wanted but isn't happy... but maybe sometimes that's the way with ambition - you can never really have enough!
Nought's had, all's spent where desire's got without content - this comes from Act 3 Scene 2, which is a great scene when looking at how the Macbeth's felt while they were on the throne. Lady Macbeth seems disappointed. She says that they've got nothing ("nought") but spent everything, and have for their "desire" but are not "content." She's basically a bit gutted that she's got what she wanted but isn't happy... but maybe sometimes that's the way with ambition - you can never really have enough!
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