In reference to the Dagger Soliloquy in William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', how effective is the playwright's in showing the ambition with in the titular character of Macbeth?

Firstly, the playwright shows the ambition of Macbeth by highlighting the internal conflict that is shown throughout the play. "Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?" By posing the question, it is clear that Macbeth is unsure of the existance of the dagger. Yet by having a vision of a dagger, it is clear that the violent ambition of Macbeth is clearly tempting Macbeth to commit the murder of Duncan. Thus Shakespeare enables us to see the ambition of Macbeth and the internal conflict that plagues him throughout the rest of the play. Furthermore, Shakespeare's use of language show the ambition of the tragic hero. "And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood," Shakespeare uses the word 'dudgeon', meaning to have deep resenment. By using the word, Shakespeare effectivly shows the rooted ambition within Macbeth and how his desire for more power seems to be taking him over and the act of murder is futher foreshadowed.

Answered by James C. English tutor

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