Ambition Flashcards
(49 cards)
How does Shakespeare present ambition in Macbeth?
Shakespeare presents ambition as a powerful but dangerous force. Macbeth’s ambition drives him to commit regicide, but it ultimately leads to his downfall.
What is the significance of the quote: ‘Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself’ (Act 1, Scene 7)?
This quote reveals Macbeth’s awareness that his ambition is excessive and might lead to disaster. He recognizes the risks but still allows ambition to consume him.
How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth’s ambition?
Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth by questioning his masculinity and urging him to seize power, demonstrating how ambition can be fueled by external influence.
How does Banquo act as a contrast to Macbeth’s ambition?
Banquo, though given a prophecy, does not act immorally to achieve power. His contrast with Macbeth highlights how unchecked ambition leads to corruption.
What role do the witches play in fueling Macbeth’s ambition?
The witches plant the idea of power in Macbeth’s mind, but they never directly tell him to act. Their role highlights the dangers of allowing ambition to override morality.
How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition?
The audience knows Macbeth’s ambitions will lead to tragedy, but he remains unaware. This heightens the tension and emphasizes the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
How does the theme of ambition relate to the Jacobean belief in the Divine Right of Kings?
Macbeth’s ambition challenges the Divine Right of Kings, which stated that monarchs were chosen by God. His usurpation is unnatural and leads to chaos.
How does Macbeth’s ambition lead to his downfall?
His ambition blinds him to reality, making him paranoid and reckless. He isolates himself, loses his allies, and ultimately faces a tragic downfall.
Why is Macbeth’s ambition considered a tragic flaw?
In Aristotelian tragedy, a tragic flaw (hamartia) is a character’s inherent weakness. Macbeth’s unchecked ambition makes him a classic tragic hero.
How does Shakespeare use imagery to explore ambition in Macbeth?
Shakespeare frequently uses dark imagery, such as blood and darkness, to symbolize the corrupting effects of ambition throughout the play.
How does Shakespeare present ambition in Macbeth?
Shakespeare presents ambition as a dangerous and corrupting force. Macbeth’s unchecked ambition leads him to commit murder and ultimately causes his downfall.
What is the significance of the quote: ‘Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself’ (Act 1, Scene 7)?
This quote reveals Macbeth’s self-awareness that his ambition might lead to his own destruction, but he still chooses to pursue power.
How does Macbeth’s ambition evolve throughout the play?
Macbeth starts as a loyal warrior but becomes consumed by ambition after hearing the witches’ prophecy. He transitions from hesitant to ruthless as he pursues power at all costs.
How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth’s ambition?
Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s masculinity and courage, pushing him to act on his ambition. She plays a key role in convincing him to murder Duncan.
How do the witches influence Macbeth’s ambition?
The witches plant the idea of power in Macbeth’s mind through their prophecies, but they never instruct him to act. This highlights how ambition is driven by personal choice.
How is Banquo’s ambition different from Macbeth’s?
Banquo is ambitious but does not act immorally to achieve power. He remains honorable, serving as a contrast to Macbeth’s unchecked ambition.
How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to highlight ambition?
The audience knows that Macbeth’s ambition will lead to his ruin, but he remains blind to this truth. This creates suspense and emphasizes the dangers of unchecked ambition.
How does ambition contribute to Macbeth’s downfall?
Macbeth’s ambition isolates him, makes him paranoid, and leads him to commit more crimes. His excessive ambition ultimately causes his death.
How does Lady Macbeth’s ambition change throughout the play?
Initially, Lady Macbeth is ruthless and ambitious, but as the play progresses, guilt overwhelms her. Her ambition backfires, leading to her mental breakdown and suicide.
How does the theme of ambition connect to the Jacobean era and the Divine Right of Kings?
Macbeth’s ambition challenges the Divine Right of Kings, which held that monarchs were chosen by God. His usurpation is seen as unnatural, leading to chaos and his downfall.
Why is ambition considered Macbeth’s tragic flaw?
Macbeth’s ambition (hamartia) drives his downfall, making him a classic tragic hero. His desire for power blinds him to reason and morality.
How does Shakespeare use imagery to explore ambition in Macbeth?
Shakespeare uses dark imagery, blood, and unnatural events to symbolize the destructive consequences of ambition.
What role does ambition play in Macbeth’s increasing paranoia?
As Macbeth’s ambition grows, so does his paranoia. He sees threats everywhere, leading him to kill Banquo and Macduff’s family to protect his throne.
How does ambition create tension in the play?
The constant struggle for power between characters, especially Macbeth, Banquo, and Malcolm, creates dramatic tension as ambition drives conflict.
