The meaning of moral ambiguity in the tragedy of Macbeth by William ShakespeareThe tragedy of Macbeth is a fictional work written by the English poet William Shakespeare . The play is set in 11th-century Scotland, during the reign of King James I. Shakespeare evidently writes in this time period to describe the connection between leaders and their supreme or ultimate power. The play was first performed in 1606, at the famous Globe Theatre, and is considered one of the most profound and gripping tragedies ever told. The tragedy of Macbeth tells the story of a brave Scottish general named Macbeth and his ambitious desire to become king of Scotland. As he and another commander named Banquo return home from the war, they come across three haunted-looking witches. The witches offer the men a tantalizing prophecy that leads to a more crucial role to be found later in the play. Throughout the play we see Macbeth deal with his own moral ambiguity and the atrocious acts he must perform to obtain the position he most desires. “My thought, whose murder is yet but fantastic, [s]hath thus my only state of man” (Shakespeare 1.3.152-53). This uncertainty, present in the scenes of Duncan's murder, the banquet, and the witch's final predictions, each reveals the ambiguity necessary to understand the basis of the work as a whole. After the first prediction comes true, the reader begins to see a difference in Macbeth's outlook. whole attitude. Throughout the beginning of the play Macbeth is seen as a valiant and great nobleman, however, when Macbeth receives news that there is a chance for him to achieve great power, he conspires to kill the current king to gain the throne . Although the thought of killing Duncan is subtle at first, then turns into a ... middle of paper ...... on the part of his wife, Macbeth is tormented by guilt when he sees the appearance of Banquo , and him being panic-stricken by the prophecy, all show the error of Macbeth's character. If it were not for the external factors surrounding Macbeth within the play, then perhaps there was a possibility that he would never have committed those acts. “Out, out, short candle! Life is but a walking shadow, a poor actor who struts and frets for his hour on the stage and then is heard no more” (5.5.26-29). Macbeth reflects on his extremely ambitious life and how it really had no meaning to the world. Since Macbeth was never able to enjoy any of his successes in life, Shakespeare suggests that it is much better to achieve one's goals fairly than disgustingly. Furthermore, if Macbeth had followed his ethical instincts, the outcome would never have involved his death, or perhaps it was simply destined to be.