Ambition is a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. In literature, it often drives characters' actions and decisions, reflecting their personal goals and the lengths they are willing to go to attain power, success, or recognition. This term is crucial in understanding the motivations behind characters' behaviors, their moral dilemmas, and the consequences of their pursuit of greatness.
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In several plays, ambition is depicted as a double-edged sword; it can lead to greatness but also to ruin when unchecked.
Shakespeare often explores the theme of ambition through characters like Macbeth and Richard III, who are driven by their desires for power and status.
Ambition can result in moral conflict, where characters struggle between their desires and ethical considerations.
Marlowe's works reflect the idea that unchecked ambition can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in characters like Dr. Faustus who pursues knowledge and power at great cost.
The portrayal of ambition varies, with some characters achieving their goals while others face dire consequences, highlighting different perspectives on the pursuit of greatness.
Review Questions
How does ambition serve as a driving force for characters in Shakespeare's plays?
In Shakespeare's plays, ambition often drives characters to pursue power and status, leading them to make critical decisions that shape their fates. For instance, Macbeth's desire for kingship propels him into a spiral of murder and madness. This ambition not only fuels the plot but also raises questions about morality and the human condition, illustrating the tension between ambition and ethical constraints.
Discuss how Christopher Marlowe presents the theme of ambition in his poetry and how it contrasts with Shakespeare's portrayal.
Christopher Marlowe presents ambition as a potent force that can lead to both achievement and downfall, often emphasizing the tragic consequences of unbridled desire. In works like 'Dr. Faustus,' Marlowe illustrates how ambition for knowledge and power can lead to one's destruction. This contrasts with Shakespeare’s more nuanced approach, where ambition is depicted with moral complexity and often results in internal conflict as well as external consequences.
Evaluate the consequences of ambition in both Shakespeare's and Marlowe's works, considering how it affects the characters' relationships with themselves and others.
Ambition in both Shakespeare's and Marlowe's works often results in tragic consequences that affect not only the characters themselves but also those around them. Characters like Macbeth become increasingly isolated as their ambition leads them to betray and murder others, ultimately resulting in guilt and paranoia. Similarly, Faustus's insatiable ambition alienates him from human connections as he chooses knowledge over love and loyalty. Both authors illustrate that while ambition can lead to greatness, it often comes at a significant emotional and ethical cost.
Related terms
Power: The ability or capacity to influence the behavior of others or the course of events, often linked with ambition in seeking control or authority.