Ambition

Definition

Ambition is a strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal, often driving individuals to take significant risks and make sacrifices. This concept is central in various narratives, reflecting the motivations behind characters’ actions and the consequences of their pursuits in different contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the Elizabethan era, ambition was often viewed with suspicion, as it could lead to social and political unrest, contrasting with the idea of humility and divine order.
2. Shakespeare's own rise to success was fueled by his ambition as he transitioned from actor to playwright and became a prominent figure in London’s theater scene.
3. In 'Richard III,' Richard's ambition drives him to manipulate and murder his way to the throne, showcasing how unchecked ambition can lead to moral decay.
4. In 'Macbeth,' both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are propelled by their ambition, ultimately leading them down a path of guilt, madness, and destruction.
5. Shakespeare’s innovative language often encapsulates complex themes of ambition through metaphors and soliloquies that reveal characters' inner conflicts.

Review Questions

• How does Shakespeare portray the theme of ambition in 'Richard III' compared to 'Macbeth'?
  • In 'Richard III,' ambition is depicted through Richard's ruthless manipulation and cunning as he climbs the political ladder, illustrating the darker side of ambition. In contrast, 'Macbeth' presents ambition as a double-edged sword; while it motivates Macbeth to seize power, it ultimately leads to his downfall. Both plays show how ambition can corrupt individuals, but they also highlight the varying consequences it has on their lives and relationships.
• Analyze how the social and political climate of the Elizabethan era influences the characters' ambitions in Shakespeare's works.
  • The Elizabethan era was marked by political intrigue and a rigid social hierarchy, influencing characters' ambitions in Shakespeare’s plays. Individuals aspired for power in a society where status could be precarious; this context shaped characters like Macbeth and Richard III who were willing to go to extreme lengths for advancement. Their ambitions reflect not only personal desires but also societal pressures that compel them to act against moral conventions.
• Evaluate the psychological implications of ambition as demonstrated through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship dynamics.
  • The psychological implications of ambition in 'Macbeth' reveal how it can strain relationships and lead to paranoia and guilt. Lady Macbeth initially appears as the driving force behind their shared ambition, pushing Macbeth toward regicide. However, as their ambitions unfold, we see a shift; Macbeth becomes increasingly isolated in his quest for power while Lady Macbeth descends into madness due to her guilt. This dynamic highlights how ambition can corrupt personal bonds and foster destructive outcomes.

Related terms

Greed: An intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth or power, often leading to unethical behavior.

Power Dynamics: The ways in which power is negotiated and exerted within relationships, often influencing ambition and actions.

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that explores the downfall of noble characters due to their ambitions and flaws, typically leading to catastrophic outcomes.