Macbeth:
- Power-Hungry: Macbeth is undoubtedly driven by a strong desire for power. His ambition is fuelled by the prophecy of the witches that he will become the King of Scotland. He is willing to take drastic measures, even murder, to achieve his goal.
- Influence of Prophesy: The witches' prophesy plays a pivotal role in Macbeth's ambition. He becomes fixated on the idea of becoming king, allowing his ambition to overshadow his moral compass and better judgement.
- Driven by Masculinity: Macbeth's ambition is intertwined with his sense of masculinity. He views kingship as a symbol of strength and virility, which compels him to pursue power.
Lady Macbeth:
- Unwavering Support: Lady Macbeth initially appears to be more ambitious than her husband. She vehemently encourages him to kill Duncan, the current king, so Macbeth can claim the throne.
- Desire for Power and Status: Lady Macbeth's ambition is rooted in her desire for power and the prestige it brings. She craves the title of queen and the elevation in social status it entails.
- Psychological Influence: Lady Macbeth plays a significant role in shaping Macbeth's decisions. She manipulates him, using her strength of will to overcome his initial hesitation. However, her intense ambition also leads to her downfall and eventual madness.
Ultimately, the question of who is more ambitious, Macbeth or Lady Macbeth, is a complex one. While Lady Macbeth's unwavering support and manipulative nature indicate her strong ambition, Macbeth's actual execution of the plans and his pursuit of power suggest that he ultimately succumbs more profoundly to his ambition.