A Theme of Ambition in Macbeth and of Mice and Men

Introduction

Ambition can be described as the desire to achieve something or to succeed with motivation, determination, and an inner drive. In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, a powerful man is tempted into murder. In Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men, an unlikely pair try to follow their big dream. In both works, similar ideas and outcomes of ambition are portrayed through different situations and complications. Often, being ambitious can also lead to negative behaviors rather than just positive ones. Ambition in Macbeth and Of Mice and Men resulted in a change of personality, self-sacrifice, and a terrible demise.

A Theme of Ambition in Macbeth and Of Mice and Men

To show two contrasting ways ambition influences a person’s character, one can look at the main protagonists as examples. In Macbeth’s case, his strong determination made him blind to what was right (Shakespeare, 1623). He lost his compassion and became greedy later in the play. This was depicted when he allowed his selfish desire for becoming king to result in making inhumane decisions, such as sending for Banquo to be killed out of fear of exposure (Shakespeare, 1623). Conversely, George's determination made him more hopeful later in the novella. Initially, he felt he had nothing to look forward to because his dream was not realistic. This hope is evident when Candy suggests they let him help because he has money, and George responds with, "Jesus Christ! I bet we could swing her" (Steinbeck, 1937). These differing results may have something to do with the status of the two protagonists. While George stayed humble due to being from a lower class, Macbeth abused his social standing and power.

The Consequence of Self-Sacrifice

One of the more similar results of ambition—self-sacrifice—is quite evident in both works. Macbeth was willing to do anything to get what he wanted; because of this, he lost his sanity and happiness (Shakespeare, 1623). His actions took a toll on his mind; he felt like he was hallucinating and seeing ghosts, such as when he 'saw' Banquo at the banquet. Due to his impulsive actions, both he and Lady Macbeth suffered grave consequences. Likewise, George had to sacrifice his happiness for the sake of Lennie and their shared dream. He frequently mentioned how much better off he'd be without Lennie holding him back but gave up that possibility for Lennie's sake (Steinbeck, 1937). These outcomes show that achieving one's aspirations often involves losing something essential along the way—even parts of oneself.

The Inevitable Demise

A common result that occurred in both Shakespeare's play and Steinbeck's novella was demise. In Macbeth, the protagonist gave into desires that were dark and immoral; he even resorted to killing people who stood in his way (Shakespeare, 1623). The most obvious example would be Duncan’s murder; though reluctant initially, Macbeth's ambition overpowered him. His wife's death also brought a harsh realization about his mistakes. In contrast, when George saw potential for their dream coming true in Of Mice and Men, he neglected what was best for Lennie (Steinbeck, 1937). Focused on their plan instead led Lennie into trouble until George saw no other option but ending Lennie’s life mercifully himself.

The similarity between these deaths lies in neither protagonist wanting initially to kill but realizing it as necessary for their desired futures—a theme also evident when Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife while trying ambitiously to secure permission tending rabbits (Steinbeck). Though intentions varied—the impact remained: someone's fate sealed gruesomely by another's ambitious pursuit.

Conclusion

A change in nature—self-sacrifice—and grim murder were all results stemming from ambition within these literary masterpieces (Macbeth; Of Mice And Men). A strong will can make someone selfish yet aspiring too; however—it may burden mentally/physically culminating fatally sometimes either personally or affecting others around them severely too! Events across both stories sufficiently demonstrate how ambitions lack consistent outcomes due largely depending upon individual circumstances/handling methods employed therein respectively!

References:
- Shakespeare W., & Mowat B.A., & Werstine P., & Nemet-Nejat K.N., & Brissenden A.(2004) The Tragedy Of Macbeth(Signet Classic)
- Steinbeck J.(1994) Of Mice And Men(Penguin Books Limited)