Ambition Compared to physics, when a building is built too high and lacks a strong foundation, it is destined to collapse. Such behavior corresponds to human beings and their ambition. In the play “Macbeth,” Shakespeare establishes the universal theme that too much ambition can lead to a great fall. He does this successfully by using the motif of Macbeth's decline from being honorable to being evil. Shakespeare ties this element to Macbeth through the actions of others, and like a parasite, it evolves and consumes Macbeth. The great poet uses this motif as a scapegoat and successfully shows the tragic flaw in Macbeth's ambition. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Shakespeare manipulates the characters around Macbeth to fan the flames of his ambition. When Macbeth and Banquo intrude on the three witches' symposium, the witches tell of the glories with which Macbeth will be blessed. They say: "Hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, lord of Cawdor!..." (I.iii). Macbeth is shocked by this comment. He questions the legitimacy of witches and ignores them. Following this revelation, Ross confronts Macbeth and says, "I am commanded by him to call thee Thane of Cawdor..." (I.iii). Macbeth becomes ambivalent. He is perplexed by the witches' accurate prophecy and is honored that the king recognizes his successes. This introduces the first phase of Shakespeare's motif when Macbeth is in his humble and honorable phase without any hint of corruption. Macbeth soon becomes a more corrupt person. Like a cancer evolving to a greater and more harmful state, Shakespeare's motif advances towards its peak. The great Macbeth begins his deterioration when he kills King Duncan and says, “I have done the deed. Didn't you hear a noise? (II.ii). From this line it can be said that Macbeth is still naive and pure. When he questions his wife about a noise, it shows that he is still sane. The "noise", in fact, is his conscience that fills with anxiety for having committed a sin contrary to his morals and his duties. However, this simple murder acts as a sort of “passing” sin. It builds Macbeth's tolerance towards the crimes he commits and ultimately turns him into a notorious demon. With repeated acts of sin, Macbeth's moral compass points in an evil direction. Macbeth personally says: "I have entered the blood so far that, if I should wade no more, the return would be as tedious as the going further" (III.iv). This monumental quote explains Macbeth's thought that since he has committed so many crimes, it would make no difference to repent or maintain the streak of crimes. At this point Macbeth's hands are stained with other people's blood. He becomes an evil scum of the earth, successfully completing Shakespeare's motif. Macbeth's fall from his once honorable stature is Shakespeare's way of describing the tragic flaw of ambition. The second apparition tells Macbeth, “no man born of woman shall harm Macbeth.” (IV.i) Macbeth misunderstands this and believes himself to be practically invincible. With the confidence of a god, Macbeth's ambition soars exponentially. He then proceeds to fight Malcolm, who is supported by the English army. In the end, Macbeth kills young Siward without hesitation and is ultimately killed later. This scene allows Shakespeare to show the reader how corrupt Macbeth had become. His relentless ambition converted him into a darker person and this ultimately became the cause of his death. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a.