Ambition

Definition

Ambition is a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. In the context of literature, particularly during the era of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, ambition often serves as a driving force for characters, influencing their actions, motivations, and ultimately their fates. This pursuit of personal goals can lead to both greatness and downfall, showcasing the complex nature of human aspiration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In many plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries, ambition is portrayed as a double-edged sword; it can drive individuals to greatness but also lead to their ruin.
2. Ambitious characters often experience internal conflicts between their desires and moral constraints, highlighting the struggle between personal ambition and ethical behavior.
3. The theme of ambition frequently intersects with concepts of fate and free will, questioning whether characters are in control of their destiny or subject to larger forces.
4. Ambition in Elizabethan drama often reflects societal values and tensions of the time, including the struggle for power and social status in a rapidly changing world.
5. The consequences of unchecked ambition are a common motif in literature from this era, demonstrating how the quest for power can corrupt even the noblest intentions.

Review Questions

• How does ambition serve as a central theme in Shakespeare's works, particularly in 'Macbeth'?
  • In 'Macbeth', ambition is portrayed as a central theme that drives the protagonist to commit heinous acts in pursuit of power. Macbeth's desire to become king leads him to murder Duncan, which sets off a chain reaction of guilt and paranoia. This illustrates how ambition can warp one's morals and ultimately lead to destruction, showcasing Shakespeare's warning about the perils of unchecked ambition.
• Analyze the relationship between ambition and moral conflict in Shakespearean drama.
  • Shakespearean drama often depicts characters grappling with the tension between their ambitious desires and their moral principles. For example, in 'Julius Caesar', Brutus struggles with the decision to assassinate Caesar out of fear of tyranny versus his loyalty to friendship. This inner turmoil highlights how ambition can create significant moral dilemmas, leading characters to question their integrity and values as they chase their aspirations.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of ambition in the works of Shakespeare reflects the societal values and concerns of the Elizabethan era.
  • The portrayal of ambition in Shakespeare's works reflects a society grappling with power dynamics, social mobility, and political instability during the Elizabethan era. Characters driven by ambition often mirror contemporary anxieties about authority and governance, as well as the consequences of striving for higher status. This exploration reveals a complex relationship between individual desires and broader societal implications, shedding light on how ambition not only shapes personal destinies but also influences the collective fate of communities.

Related terms

Tragedy: A genre of drama that often deals with serious themes, typically ending in disaster for the main characters due to their flaws or ambitions.

Macbeth:

A tragedy by Shakespeare that explores the destructive nature of ambition through the character of Macbeth, whose desire for power leads to his moral decay and eventual demise.

Hubris:

Excessive pride or self-confidence that often accompanies ambition, leading characters to overreach and ultimately face downfall.