Ambition

Often cited as Macbeth’s fatal flaw, ambition is what many would view as the primary reason for the horrific acts that take place throughout the play. It is mostly associated with Macbeth and his wife, though a sense of ambition can also be seen in the desires of characters such as Malcolm and Macduff. Their perspective, as well Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s, are key to understanding what Shakespeare is saying about ambition thematically in the text.