Explore how Shakespeare presents ambition in Macbeth

This central theme of ambition is explored by Shakespeare in many ways in the play Macbeth. Primarily, Shakespeare uses the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, most notably their tragic downfall to highlight the dangers of ambition. We see how these character’s fall from grace is as a result of their ambition, and through this Shakespeare presents its dangers. This also helps form the genre of the play and is what makes it a tragedy. Shakespeare also explores ambition directly, as his characters are aware of its potential dangers. Macbeth himself is mindful of the possible consequences saying “ I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’other (1.7)” This is not only is an example of foreshadowing in the play, but also a direct presentation of ambition, Shakespeare is directly warning us about the menace of ambition.