Macbeth LRJ#6

The most crucial question posed William Shakespeare in his work Macbeth is that of ambition, and whether it aids or hinders one's success. Crazed ambition is seen by the audience especially through Macbeth and his lady.
Ambition, however, cannot be easily isolated. When it consumes one, as expressed through the Macbeths, it transcends into a sickening avarice, forcing them to do anything they believe will satisfy their greed.
Although single examples are difficult to find, if the play is seen as a whole, it is easy to perceive this characterization. Originally, Macbeth , described through his companion, is revered as compassionate and virtuous. His wife describes his gentle nature as well, "...thy nature...is too full o' the milk of human kindness,"(1.5.16-17). These connotations made early on with the character are what provide such a heavy contrast with his later transformation; his later disposition is easily seen, "Lay on, Macduff! And damned be him that first cries, 'Hold enough!'" (5.8.33-34) Macbeth puts forth a battle against his very friends, who know see Macbeth's transmogrification as irreversible, all caused by his ambition for the throne, expressing absolute disregard for his previous life, forgetting his friends and values.
2. Shakespeare does not directly answer the question of whether ambition is a positive or negative attribute, but he creates an entire work providing a warning of how devastating it can be in excess. Yet as it is know that anything can prove disastrous in excess, Shakespeare simply paints an illustration of proof for this ultimate truth.