Human Nature and Ambition in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

The intentions we have behind the decisions we make or actions we perform reveal our true nature. In the play Macbeth, Macbeth himself was a great example of an inherently bad person who made many wrong decisions which ultimately lead to his downfall, which is also the reason he received consequences for those actions. The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare demonstrates that a morally bad person always has bad intentions, proving that human nature determines a person's actions and choices.

The people you are surrounded by, impact your decisions and influence your actions. The play Macbeth proves the point that evil actions are done due to the negative influence of others. Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to commit the murder of Duncan “And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,” Like the poor cat i’ th’ adage?”. Lady Macbeth is ultimately proving that Macbeth as a liar, persuading him by questioning his ambition. We are often influenced when we feel that are lower or others don’t see us at a certain level, we therefore do anything to prove that wrong. The witches also contribute to a big part of the decisions Macbeth makes as they tell him his fortunes“All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, Thane of Glamis! — All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! — All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” The witches are letting Macbeth hear his hopes and desires. We often do the things we do because of the reward we will receive overall, not realizing that people might deceive us, and do whatever it will take to fulfill their personal wishes. Duncan plays a great role in Macbeth’s life as he has trust in Macbeth and congratulates him, “For brave Macbeth — well he deserves that name — Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valor’s minion carved out his passage Till he faced the slave”. This gives Macbeth encouragement making him feel like a great and honourable man. When you have the feeling of people believing in you and thinking of you highly, it boosts your ego. In addition to your bad intentions, your surrounding also influence your decisions, we will do whatever we can, to get what we want in return, similar to Macbeth wanting the throne.

Your true nature is really shown through the wrong decisions you make and bad actions you perform. The play Macbeth really portrays the true nature of an inherently bad person with evil intentions. Macbeth jealousy of Banquo is proven when he says“And put a barren scepter in my grip, Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If ’t be so, For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind”. Macbeth is not happy about the fact that he will not have a line of kings after him, which then leads him to his bad intention of killing Banquo out of pure selfishness.. Jealousy really has a big impact on you as a person, proving weather or not you care for the success of others, or would rather have it for yourself. Macbeth Is not satisfied with the prophecies he’s given, “Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more...Speak, I charge you.” Macbeth is asking for answers, greedily wanting more power. A person can reflect their personality by how selfish or greedy they are and by having bad intentions to get what they want. Macbeth’s statement proves his ambition as he says, “I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’ other.” Macbeth makes it clear that his actions are driven by ambition; for power. You work hard for something you want or deserve and do whatever you can to maintain it. To conclude, your personality and true nature prove you intentions and result in the outcome, just as Macbeth’s lead to his failure.

The play Macbeth portrays the true meaning of what you intentions can result in. Whether you have positive or negative intentions you will be rewarded or faced with consequences. Macbeth proves the point that hunger for power is shown to be a leading reason for individuals to make bad decisions. We often make decisions based on our intentions, lead by free will which results in our fate.