William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is a play in which an important theme is explored throughout the play. Ambition as a human weakness is developed and displayed through a variety of techniques. Macbeth is a play where the main character is believed to be brave and heroic, but as the play progresses we see his transformation into a cowardly thief. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is considered a noble soldier. After a battle that he played a crucial role in winning, we hear another man discuss his actions. “Brave Macbeth, well deserves that name” This shows that Macbeth is a respected member of society before his ambition takes over. He is currently entitled to the names given to him, but as the show continues, he quickly becomes less and less worthy of his titles. Macbeth is not sure he deserves to become Thane of Cawdor. He is amazed that he was given this title. However, when he hears the witches' predictions, he begins to wonder if the future has more in store for him. "I know I am of Glamis, but what of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives [...] and to be king, it is not in the prospect of faith" Macbeth is aware that this brings him closer to his ultimate goal as king, but he is hesitant. This shows all three titles the witches promised him and foreshadows events to come. Shakespeare often uses foreshadowing to add tension to scenes, which is what made this scene so effective in showing ambition as a weakness. Macbeth is aware of what he wants, but is unwilling to share his thoughts with anyone other than his wife. His ambition allows him to participate in betrayal if it means his wishes might come true. "The stars hide your fires. Let not the light see your dark and deep desires." Shakespeare compares Macbeth's ambition to a fire, bright and growing. But Macbeth also hopes to smother this fire because he knows he is wrong to plot against his friend and king. Macbeth, through the manipulation of his wife, has decided that to become king he must kill Duncan. Macbeth's ambition becomes even clearer here when, in an attempt to maintain his throne, he plots to kill Banquo without the manipulation of his wife. he even cast aside his once beloved wife. Macbeth's decision to kill his friend shows how far his ambition has taken him since he was debating against himself whether or not to kill Duncan. Macbeth has become so obsessed with power that his wife's death means nothing but hardship to him. After Lady Macbeth's suicide, Macbeth is unconcerned, focusing only on keeping his crown. "She should have died from then on. Out, out a brief candle. Life is like a walking shadow" He compares her to a small flame that had no impact on the world. He also claims that his life has been spent walking in his shadow. This could make us understand how Macbeth also always lives alone in darkness, following the prophecies that were shown to him. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare is a play in which the theme of ambition is shown and developed. Shakespeare, using many techniques, is able to demonstrate that ambition, if left unchecked, can be disastrous.