Final answer:
Ambition is portrayed as a potent force in 'Macbeth,' which, when unchecked, leads to tragic outcomes. Its value is determined by one's actions under its influence and the ensuing impact on oneself and the broader community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of ambition in Shakespeare's Macbeth can be viewed through the lens of Aristotle's conception of tragedy. The protagonist's ambition, while initially a driving force for achievement, becomes dangerous when it oversteps moral boundaries and leads to destructive behavior. Ambition in itself is not inherently bad; it is the choices one makes under its influence that can lead to negative outcomes. Macbeth's ambition drives him to commit regicide, disrupting the natural order and bringing about his downfall. This showcases how unchecked ambition can become a tragic flaw (hamartia), aligning with the Aristotelian tragic hero.
In the context of Macbeth, a strong drive or desire to achieve greatness is a double-edged sword. It propels characters to strive for higher status and accomplishments but can also blind them to ethical considerations, resulting in catastrophic consequences. Thus, ambition is not universally good or bad, but its value is judged by the means through which it is pursued and its impact on the individual and society.
Ambition is a complex quality; it becomes dangerous when it subverts ethical values and leads to harmful actions, as evidenced in Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth.