Ambition Lady Macbeth Shakespeare Presents Play Power Ideas

 Ambition in terms of status and role 

 The consequences of ambition when explored through the rest of the play 

{{c3:: Lady Macbeth as the driving force for Macbeth’s ambition at the start of the play – she is aware of the influence she has over him – her ambition is for herself and him}} 

{{c4:: Lady Macbeth's recognition of needing to give Macbeth her qualities to achieve the prophecy and therefore her ambition – “pour my spirits in thine ear” – }}

{{c5:: Macbeth hints that Lady Macbeth has a masculine soul due to her ambition – therefore link to masculinity and ambition and the power of women. Lady Macbeth also asks to have female qualities stripped to achieve ambition “unsex me here” }}

 Ambition linked to rhetoric and manipulation 

 Lady Macbeth as a pivotal character that drives the plot 

{{c8:: Imagery linked to female and male characteristics within the speech and elsewhere in the play “too full o’th’milk of human kindness” }}

 Her soliloquy adds dramatic tension and power – she thinks and acts alone 

 Ideas about women with power and ambition 

 Contemporary reception to Lady Macbeth’s behaviour 

 Ideas about equality and status 

{{c13:: Ambition associated with usurping – Machiavelli  Ideas about the supernatural and fate}}