The Tragic Flaw of Ambition in “Macbeth”: A Classic Example of Tragedy

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is often referred to as ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ because it exemplifies the classical concept of tragedy: a noble or admirable character who is ultimately brought to destruction by a single ‘tragic’ flaw. This flaw, in Macbeth’s case, is his overwhelming ambition, which led him down a dark path of deception and death.

The Original Context of Macbeth

The play opens with Macbeth as a respected warrior who has served his kingdom well by aiding in the defense against an invasion. Macbeth is a noble of the realm, held in high esteem for his bravery and loyalty. His title is Thane of Glamis, which represents a position of significant honor in medieval Scottish society.
However, the fabric of Macbeth’s noble character begins to unravel when the witches predict that he will become Thane of Cawdor as well as King of Scotland. Piqued by these prophecies, Macbeth’s ambition is intertwining with his sense of duty and respect for law. His flaw – a susceptibility to ambition – is the very thread that unravels his character.

The Role of the Witches and Ambition

It is the witches who first kindle Macbeth’s ambition. They tempt him with the prospect of titles and power, playing on his deepest desires. When Macbeth is then appointed Thane of Cawdor, a title previously held by the traitor he helped defeat, the witches’ prophecy seems to be unfolding. This, coupled with his wife Lady Macbeth’s relentless ambition and manipulation, leads him to commit the first act of his tragic downfall: the murder of King Duncan.

The Consequences of Ambition

Macbeth’s ambition propels him to commit further heinous crimes to secure and maintain his position as king. He orders the murder of his friend Banquo and his son in an attempt to solidify his inheritance as the king’s rightful successor. He also murders the Thane of Fife’s family because of their support for Duncan’s son. By the play’s climax, Macbeth has transformed from a once-admired noble to a blood-soaked tyrant, and his wife, driven mad by guilt, commits suicide.

The Lesson of Macbeth’s Tragedy

Shakespeare’s Macbeth teaches a poignant lesson on the dangers of ambition. Macbeth demonstrates that one must not overreach or break laws and morals to achieve power, for such actions will ultimately lead to one’s ruin. He should have recognized that the thaneship of Cawdor came to him legitimately, as a reward for his valor, but the throne of Scotland was not rightfully his. His ambition to secure it by any means – even murder – sends him down a path of destruction.

The play serves as a didactic tool, a moral lesson in the importance of upholding one’s values and adhering to principles, especially when faced with tempting opportunities for advancement. It reminds us to resist the allure of tampering with fate and the natural order of things if one wishes to maintain a sense of integrity and to avoid the dire consequences of unchecked ambition.

Conclusion: Macbeth’s story is a chilling reminder that ambition, while a powerful motivating force, must be guided by justice, morality, and a sense of duty. Do not let your ambitions lead you to overstep your rightful boundaries, and always consider the moral and ethical implications of your actions.