Act 1: Analyzing Theme of Ambition in Macbeth's Soliloquy
In this assignment, you will analyze a passage from Macbeth's soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7 where Macbeth considers the potential reasons against killing King Duncan. Pay special attention to what he says about ambition.
Remember ambition is, " a strong desire or determination to achieve success."
Group 1
Macbeth: The king trusts me in two ways. First of all, I am his kinsman and his subject, so I should always try to protect him. Second, I am his host, so I should be closing the door in his murderer’s face, not trying to murder him myself. Besides, Duncan has been such a humble leader, so free of corruption, that his virtuous legacy will speak for him when he dies, as if angels were playing trumpets against the injustice of his murder. Pity, like an innocent newborn baby, will ride the wind with winged angels on invisible horses through the air to spread news of the horrible deed to everyone everywhere. People will shed a flood of tears that will drown the wind like a horrible downpour of rain. I can’t spur myself to action. The only thing motivating me is ambition, which makes people rush ahead of themselves toward disaster.
Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 7
Question 1a
How does Shakespeare explore the theme of ambition through Macbeth's internal conflict?
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