11 Best Macbeth Ambition Quotes With Meaning

'Macbeth' is the shortest tragedy written by renowned English playwright William Shakespeare.

The play portrays how the hamartia (tragic flaw) of 'selfish ambition' leads the tragic hero to his downfall and final catharsis. 'Macbeth' was first performed in 1606 and first published in the Folio of 1623.

The play is about the pitiful end of the tragic hero, Macbeth, whose ambition to rise in rank and become a king makes him and his wife commit grievous murders.

The catastrophe of unforgivable crimes committed by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth eventually overwhelms them, which is beautifully portrayed in the psychological and physical transformation of the characters. Macbeth does satisfy his ambition to become the King of Scotland, but his horrific actions take over him.

Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of his friend he had murdered.

Aided by his queen, Lady Macbeth, he becomes a tyrannical ruler, taking any immoral measure necessary to hide his crimes and secure his throne.

It is only too late when Macbeth's hubris (arrogance and overconfidence) of thinking that he can get away with his crimes is shattered, and he realizes that he can neither avoid guilt nor punishment. Fortune turns against Macbeth; as a civil war breaks out to dethrone him, and Lady Macbeth commits suicide after being overtaken by grief.

The story ends with Macbeth's catharsis (purgation), followed by his tragic defeat and demise, and the restoration of the throne to the true king of Scotland.

'Macbeth' is a brilliant play by Shakespeare that has left us with many inspirational, ambitious, and thought-provoking quotes to introspect on our lives. Let's look at some of the best quotes from 'Macbeth' about ambition. Want to know more about the play and its characters? Check out our articles on Lady Macbeth Quotes and Macbeth Important Quotes.

Lady Macbeth Ambition Quotes

Lady Macbeth is arguably the most influential character in the play 'Macbeth'. She is Macbeth's wife and an accomplice who commits and plots murder with her husband.

She is as ambitious as Macbeth and a powerful presence in his life, who fuels her husband's evil aspirations of becoming king. Here are some Lady Macbeth quotes that express her desires and ambition.

1. "He that's coming

Must be provided for; and you shall put

This night's great business into my dispatch;

Which shall to all our nights and days to come

Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom."

- Act 1, Scene 5.

2. "That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold:

What hath quench'd them hath given me fire."

- Act 2, Scene 2.

'Macbeth' Power And Ambition Quotes

'Macbeth' presents a story about the horrific outcomes of the inhuman measures taken by a person to satisfy their desires. These quotes from the play clearly depict the thirst for power and the impact of one's untameable ambitions.

3."' Gainst nature still:

Thriftless ambition, that will ravin up

Thine own life's means! - Then 'tis most like

The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth."

- Ross, Act 2, Scene 4.

4. "My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,

Shakes so my single state of man

That function is smother'd in surmise,

And nothing is but what is not."

- Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3.

Macbeth Famous Quotations

'Macbeth' is one the best tragedies of Shakespeare. The play is also a popular piece of literature that has since been re-established in theater, cinema, and numerous stage productions. Here are some famous quotes of the tragic hero, Macbeth, which stands out in the play.

5. "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death."

- Act 5, Scene 5.

6. "Whose horrid images doth unfix my hair,

And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,

Against the use of nature? Present fears

Are less than horrible imaginings."

- Act 1, Scene 3.

7. "Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more: it is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing."

- Act 5, Scene 5.

Macbeth Quotes About Ambition

Macbeth's ambition of replacing King Duncan to claim the throne of Scotland is shown in the play through his striking monologues, expressing his murderous intentions. Shakespeare also couples a supernatural element to the tragedy by introducing three mysterious sister witches, who foretell that Macbeth will receive honors and soon be king.

As the prophecy stands true, Macbeth's desire to become king catches fire. His intentions are further fueled by the similar aspirations of his wife, Lady Macbeth. These Macbeth quotes expose the vile nature of his ambition.

8. "I have no spur

To prick the sides of my intent, but only

Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself

And falls on th' other -"

- Act 1, Scene 7'.

9. "Stars, hide your fires!

Let not light see my black and deep desires.

The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be,

Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see."

- Act 1, Scene 4.

'Macbeth' Themes, Quote About Power

One of the main themes presented in the play 'Macbeth' is the deplorable state of a person who has a strong, hidden desire for power and is willing to go to inhuman limits to satisfy themselves. Here are two quotes from 'Macbeth' that expresses the difference between the power to withhold desire and the desire for power.

10. "So I lose none

In seeking to augment it, but still keep

My bosom franchis'd, and allegiance clear,

I shall be counsell'd."

- Banquo, Act 2, Scene 1.

11. "Thou wouldst be great;

Art not without ambition, but without

The illness should attend it. What thou wouldst highly,

That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false,

And yet wouldst wrongly win."

- Lady Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 5.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Macbeth Ambition Quotes, then why not take a look at Macbeth Witches quotes or 'The Tempest' quotes?