"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare is a play in which a major theme is explored throughout the play. Ambition as a human weakness is developed and demonstrated through various techniques. Macbeth is a play in which the main character is seen as brave and heroic, but as the play progresses we witness his transformation into a cowardly thief. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayMacbeth is seen as a noble soldier at the beginning of the play. After a battle in which he played a crucial role in victory, we hear another man discussing his actions. “Brave Macbeth, he deserves this name.” This shows that Macbeth is a respected member of society before his ambition takes over. He is currently entitled to the names given to him, but as the play continues, he quickly becomes less and less worthy of his titles. Macbeth is not sure he deserves to become Thane of Cawdor. He is amazed to have received this title. However, after hearing the witches' predictions, he begins to wonder if the future holds even more. "I know I am of Glamis But what of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives [...] and to be king is not in the perspective of a creed" Macbeth is aware that this brings him closer to his final goal as king, but he hesitates. This shows the three titles the witches promised him and foreshadows the events to come. Shakespeare often uses foreshadowing to add tension to scenes, which made this one so effective in showing ambition as weakness. Macbeth is aware of what he wants but he is unwilling to share his thoughts with anyone other than his wife. His ambition allows him to participate in a betrayal if it means his desires could come true. “The stars hide thy fires, let not the light see thy dark and deep desires” Shakespeare compares Macbeth’s ambition to a bright and growing fire. However, Macbeth also hopes to quell this fire because he knows he is wrong to plot against his friend and king. Macbeth, through the manipulation of his wife, decided that in order to become king, he must kill Duncan. Macbeth's ambition becomes even clearer here when, in an attempt to retain his throne, he plots to murder Banquo without the manipulation of his wife. “Our fears in Banquo remain deep” This shows that the only thing he cares about now is his throne, he has even cast aside his once beloved wife. Macbeth's decision to kill his friend shows how far his ambition took him when he was fighting with himself whether to kill Duncan or not. Macbeth has become so obsessed with power that the death of his wife means nothing but inconvenience to him. After Lady Macbeth commits suicide, Macbeth does not care, only focusing on how he can keep his crown. "She should have died by now. Life is like a walking shadow." He compares it to a small flame that had no impact on the world. He also claims that his life was spent walking in his shadow. This could explain that Macbeth only lives in darkness, following the prophecies shown to him. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare is a play in which the theme of ambition is shown and developed. Shakespeare, using many techniques, is able to show that ambition, if unchecked,..