Question

Sc. 1, Lines 97–105: What text reflects Macbeth’s ego and ambition?

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act 4, scene 1, lines 97-105, Macbeth receives three apparitions which provide him with three pieces of a prophecy (1- Beware of Macduff, 2- Macbeth cannot be harmed by someone born form a woman, 3- Macbeth will not be defeated until the Birnam Wood walks to Dusinane Hill). After hearing this prophecy, he feels pleased and safe to know that he will be king until the day he dies (lines 103-105: "... MacbethShall live the lease of nature, pay his breath To time and mortal custom."). However, he is still eager to know if Banquo and his offspring will reign eventually (lines 105-108: Yet my heart Throbs to know one thing. Tell me, if your art can tell so much: shall Banquo’s issue ever Reign in this kingdom?). This goes to show that he didn't feel like he had enough with knowing he would be king for his entire life, he also had to know that Banquo would not reign. This shows how irrationally ambitious and egotistical he had become.

Answer 2

Macbeth says that may the forested areas never ascend until "high-set Macbeth...live the rent of nature." Here, Macbeth is stating that he foresees himself as king, dying a characteristic demise (likely of maturity). His inner self and desire daze him to some other plausibility.