Ambition: Macbeth and Talented Mr Ripley

Ambition is usually the driving force which leads many people towards success: however, ambition without any morality can be destructive. We see this in the two texts we have studied. In William Shakespeare’s play, ambition causes Macbeth to murder his loved ones. In the end Macbeth becomes weak and his ambition leads to his downfall. In Anthony Mingela’s movie ‘The talented Mr Ripley’, Tom’s Ambition leads him to the other side of the world, where he ends up in a dangerous mess. Both Macbeth and Tom, involve themselves in murder and lies which in the end damages and destroys their lives.
At the beginning of Macbeth we find him as an ambitious warrior. ‘Till that Bellona’s bridegroom, lapped in proof, confronted him with self-comparisons, point against point, rebellious arm against arm, the victory fell upon us.   This quote uses assonance and portrays Macbeth’s passionate ambition, which is respected by all his peers, even King Duncan.
Both Tom and Macbeth ambition is seen at the start but it is further fuelled by various objects. In Macbeth the witches are the starting point of Macbeth’s uncontrolled ambition.   ‘What, can the devil speak true?’ Is a rhetorical question asked by Banquo. The witch’s predictions come true and this strengthens Macbeth ambition.   The witches in Macbeth compare to the jacket in TMR. Although the jacket does not provoke Tom’s ambition it is the catalyst for change. It symbolises the start of Tom’s arrogant ambition starting from lying about him. The jacket is significant because it leads to a series of events.
Likewise both characters have a common goal of power. The want for being King in Macbeth forces him into the thought of killing Duncan. “Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek hath been so clear in his great office, that his virtues will plead like angels” The tone of Macbeth in this quote is unpleasant and spiteful. He believes that Duncan is not worth the crown, which gives him more reason to kill him. However...