Ambition and the Downfall of Macbeth, Idi Amin, and,...

Ambition is a force that helps drive societies forward. When the power of a nation falls in the hands of a single person ambition takes many spectacular and ugly forms. It can be both the making and destruction of that person but regardless of the net effect, ambition will have deep socio-economic, political, and cultural roots. Three dictators were taken by ambition and it pushed them into a costly, long, battle to obtain and maintain power. Those leaders are Macbeth, Idi Amin, and, Napoleon Bonaparte. Macbeth is the main character in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Macbeth was born into low ranking nobility and rose to fame as a general. He did so well in the military that he became the Thane of Glacis, which was later to be followed by the†¦show more content†¦They murdered the king in his sleep and his sons fled the country to prevent their own assassinations. After Macbeth becomes king he became worried that his position would be compromised by a traitor. He is increas ingly worried about Banquos prophecy and has Banquo murdered to protect his power. â€Å"My lord his throat is cut, that I did for him† (Shakespeare III.iv.41) Macduff one of the nobles leaves the county to organize a revolt against Macbeth. Macbeth has Macduff’s family and castle staff killed to protect against further betray. â€Å"The castle of Macduff I will surprise; Seize upon fife; give to the edge o’ the swords his wife, his babes and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line. (Shakespeare IV.ii.56). This choice to kill Macduff’s family led to Macbeth’s fall. Macduff heard about the death of his entire castle and became committed to revenge. â€Å"But gentle heavens, cut short al intermission: front to front bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself; within my sword’s length set him; if he ‘scape, heaven forgive him too!† (Shakespeare IV.iii.66) Macbeth received a second set of prophecies that gave him a very large and false confidence. â€Å"What’s the boy Malcolm? Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know all mortal consequences have pronounced me thus: `fear not, Macbeth; no man that’s born of woman shall e’er have upon thee.’ Then fly, false thanes, and mingle with the