NCEA 1.5 Formal Writing: Ambition in Macbeth

Explore Shakespeares use of language effects and dramatic devices and how they reveal the action of ambition on the character Macbeth

Death, suffering, betrayal and blood are common threads that connect all of William Shakespeare’s 17th century plays, and this is very obvious in the Scottish Play, Macbeth. Although the play Macbeth is a brutal tragedy, Shakespeare uses language effects and dramatic devices to reveal the fragile mind of the main character, and how quickly its destroyed by the witches meddling and his own ambitions. This essay explains 4 techniques Shakespeare uses to knit ambition into the fabric of the of the play Macbeth, in order of clearest to least clear: metaphor, soliloquy, symbolism and dramatic irony.

Metaphor is a clear language effect Shakespeare uses to reveal Macbeths thoughts and actions of ambition and how they effect humans in his tragedy, Macbeth. When Macbeth says “O, full of scorpions is my mind” he is revealing to the audience that he’s in a tortured state, as if scorpions are eating away at his mind. This shows that Macbeths ambition is having a dangerous effect on his mind and wellbeing, as he “know’st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives“, and the fear of their line taking the throne is to much for him to bear. This proves his ambitions have pushed him too far: his life has become a constant state of worry and anxiety. Later in the play Macbeth compares his actions to a pool of blood, saying “ I am in blood
Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er:” showing that he has become indifferent to his actions, and has lost so much decency and honor that he believes it easier to continue down his dark path, rather than returning to honesty and respect. Macbeths ambition is rotting his heart, and he is becoming a “ shadow” of what he once was. Shakespeare is trying to show the audience- and you-, through Macbeths life, that if we don’t control our desires and ambitions, we soon lose respect and our lives and achievements lose meaning.

Symbolism is a language affect weaved into the play to highlight certain messages and ideas to the audience. As soon as Macbeth has killed King Duncan, guilt starts to assault him. He says “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather
The multitudinous seas in incarnadine,
Making the green one red.” , he is reflecting that there’s not enough water in all the oceans to wash the blood off his hands, and instead, his blood stained hands will turn the ocean red. Blood is being used as a symbol for guilt, so Macbeth is meaning he will forever be “infected” by guilt, and his guilt will play out in his life and affect everything around him. Macbeths ambition to become King has driven him to do things he knew were wrong, and now he is paying the price. Later in the play, King Duncans son Donalbain realizes that his Fathers murder is being blamed on him. However, he knows he’s innocent and suspects Macbeth of the killing. He has been betrayed by Macbeth and his country, and says “There’s daggers in men’s smiles“, realizing that although at first Macbeth seemed honorable, he shouldn’t be trusted because everything he does is for his own gain, not the good of his country. In Macbeth, daggers are a symbol for betrayal, and Shakespeare uses that image to reveal many characters thoughts of betrayal or evil. Shakespeare uses symbols to gracefully incorporate his themes and ideas into the script of Macbeth. He is showing the action of ambition by revealing its affects on the characters in the play, while at the same time conveying his themes to the audience.

Suspense is a great way to keep any audiences attention, and Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to achieve this. When the witches prophesy that Macbeth will become thane of Cawdor, chanting “All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!” the audience already knows that Macbeth has been promoted to Thane of Cawdor after the previous Thane was killed in battle. However, this news is unknown to Macbeth. Shakespeare does this so the audience can see and judge Macbeths reaction when the witches predictions come true, meaning they can experience suspense and better understand Macbeths mind. Later on, Macbeth orders for Macduff’s family to be murdered while Macduff is in England and his castle is unprotected. “The castle of Macduff I will surprise;
Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o’ the sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls” is Macbeths plan, and he orders murderers to do the dirty deed for him. This is dramatic irony because Macduff doesn’t know of the murder of his family, so again, the audience is held in suspense to see Macduff’s reaction and how it will affect or influence the play. This underhand deed highlights the effects of ambition on Macbeth, as he is now murdering innocent and unprotected people, only to satisfy his desire for revenge against Macduff. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to involve the audience in the play, and these examples expose Macbeths deteriorating mind and morality through the play, as a result of ambition that has been ignited by the witches.

Soliloquy is a language effect Shakespeare uses to show the affect Macbeths actions are having on his mind and thoughts and what Macbeth is prioritizing in life. Just before Macbeth goes to kill King Duncan, he says “Thou sure and firm-set earth,
Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear
Thy very stones prate of my whereabout,” showing again that he knows he is about to do wrong, and is becoming paranoid about his actions being discovered. This is a helpful insight into Macbeths mind, as it lays plain to the audience that he has fallen from a proud, noble man who was accountable, and praised, for his actions, to a fearful and untrustworthy “tyrant” who is nervous that the “very stones” will betray him. This has come about because Macbeth has put his ambitions above everything else, such as friends, trust, honesty and respect. Macbeths decaying mind is further expressed when he reflects “To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,“
He is showing that life’s a burden to him, and there is nothing worth living for, now that Lady Macbeth has died. His desire for power has left him with no friends or family, and no-one has respect for him anymore. Shakespeare is using Macbeth to show to the audience what happens when humans lose morality, and that things like power, money, and fame are not what really matters in life.

Shakespeare uses many different language and dramatic techniques to convey his ideas and themes to the audience through the actions of the characters in Macbeth. He reveals the destructive effects of ambition on the character Macbeth, and how it demolished his reputation and mind. This is showing the audience why its important to show some morality and restraint when pursuing your ambitions, and to treasure the fabric that builds a fulfilling life: friends, family, relationships and meaningful achievements. This message is relevant even now, to you and me, 400 years after Shakespeare wrote the play. Metaphor, soliloquy, symbolism and dramatic irony are 4 techniques Shakespeare uses to reveal these themes, and together they add depth and meaning to the tragedy Macbeth.