Why I Consider Ambition as a Powerful Theme
Throughout our course, we've been on a journey through Macbeth and Lord of the Flies, uncovering the role that ambition plays in shaping the narratives and characters we encounter.
In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, we witness the tragic transformation of Macbeth, once an honorable warrior, into a power-hungry ruler driven by an insatiable thirst for control. Ambition, embodied by the prophecies of the witches and Lady Macbeth's influence, pushes Macbeth to commit unspeakable acts, ultimately leading to his downfall.
In William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," the boys on the island develop a strong desire for leadership roles. Their natural wish for control turns into a strong and uncontrolled ambition, making different groups fight for power. As the plot goes on, things get really chaotic. When people don't think and work together, this strong ambition causes a lot of problems. For instance, Jack cared more about hunting, rather than maintaining the fire that will potentially save the boys from the island. The fight for being the leader and staying alive is a messy picture, showing how uncontrolled ambition can mess up how things work in a group.
Ambition serves as a universal lens, allowing us to peer into the complexities of human behavior and the fallout of uncontrolled desires. It's a theme that transcends time and culture, reflecting back to us our own dreams and the potential pitfalls that come with chasing them.
It becomes a propelling force, pushing characters to extraordinary heights while also setting the stage for tragic missteps. It challenges us to weigh the pursuit of personal aspirations against the backdrop of morality and societal harmony.
So why do I think this theme is powerful overall? Well, whether it's the fall of Macbeth or the chaos in Lord of the Flies, ambition is like a mirror showing us how people act. It's not just in one story or place – it's everywhere. Ambition is like a big deal that shapes what happens to characters, making us wonder about the balance between what we want and what's good for everyone. It's not just a story thing; it's something we can think about in our own lives. These stories teach us that ambition can be a strong force, leading to both good and bad outcomes, making it a big deal in our journey through literature.
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