The tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare outlines how desire for power can bring about the corruption of the human person. This is clearly evident in the character Macbeth, whose ambition to become King of Scotland eventually leads to his tragic demise. Through the prophecies of the three sisters, an insignificant seed was planted in Macbeth, however, the thirst of power he was tempted to drink. Through influence by his partner, his hopeful ambition began to grow without hesitance. The desire to stay King and preserve his title, called the tyrant within him to unleash its wrath on anyone who stood in his path, even his closest friends. Each step bringing him closer and closer to the evident end.

The seed of ambition planted in Macbeth’s heart brought about his downfall. Macbeth, was given a glimpse of success through the witches prophecies, “All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.” Even with Banquo’s warnings, “Often times, to win us our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequences”, Macbeth was curious to explore the predictions of the prophecies. In effect, thoughts of murder and betrayal entered his mind. “If good, why do I yield to that suggestions, whose horrid image doth unfix my hair.” As a result, the monster within began to alter Macbeth’s mind into thoughts of greatness
Even though there was countless resistance against his own ambition, Macbeth ultimately gave into his own ambition that drove him to his bittersweet end. Lady Macbeth, seeking her own ambition, used Macbeth for her own gain. Through her cunning persuasion techniques Macbeth was helpless but to watch ambition turn against him. “When you durst do it, then you were a man; and to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man.” Despite resistance, “We will proceed no further in this business”, it was really a matter of time until greed