Ambition Is Certainly a Key Aspect of Macbeth

Ambition is certainly a key component of Macbeth however the play also addresses a range of universal themes such as regicide and fate vs. free will that add complexity and depth to the play as well as drive it to it's inevitably tragic ending. Written by the famous playwright William Shakespeare around 1620, it is one of his most famous tragedies based in Scotland during the 11th century.

Regicide is the act of murdering a king, this theme has significant contextual relevance with the time it was written. During the Elizabethan age it was seen as a sin to murder the king or remove him from his position as they believed he was ordained by God to lead. Shakespeare explores the affects of regicide throughout the play, the audience understands how futile and evil this act is by witnessing Macbeth murder King Duncan. The aftermath of his actions result in utter guilt that causes major psychological problems for Macbeth 'Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep', the powerful negativity that murder carries resonates with the audience. As soon as Macbeth has committed the murder we can see an evident decline in his mental state of mind. Shakespeare restores order within Scotland by returning the crown to its rightful heir, Malcolm, 'My thanes and kinsmen, henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland In such an honour named.' Malcolm uses inclusive language to illustrate the just rule that he will administer to his subjects. Without Macbeths ambition to commit the regicide of King Duncan the play would have taken a separate and uneventful direction.

How much of what we do as humans is affected by fate and how much can we actually control? Shakespeare explores this idea in depth throughout Macbeth and we discover that life is both a product of choice and chance. Did the witches really make Macbeth murder King Duncan? 'All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!' although the witches foreshadow what is to come they don't suggest the idea of murdering Duncan or reveal how he will gain the throne. Macbeth fosters the desire for higher power and defying fate is what drives him to fulfill the prophecies. Before consulting Lady Macbeth about what the witches have foretold Macbeth appears content with leaving his chances of becoming king in the hands of fate 'If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir' this statement ironically highlights how quickly Macbeth changes his mind to pursuing his murderous plan, he sees no reason to disturb the natural order by killing anyone for other things to happen. 'Could trammel up the consqeunce...that but this blow might be the be-all and the end-all here' Macbeth doubts that the consequence of regicide will catch up to him, he wonders if his actions will be all that is required to end all. If Macbeth didn't