Shakespeare presents ambition as perpetual through the lexical field/motif of rank. Initially, Macbeth seeks to become "Thane of Cawdor" then "King of Scotland". He is stimulated to vouch for high ranks from Malcolm being appointed as Prince of Cumberland. The different mentions of rank suggests ambition is never-ending. The motif reminds the audience that Macbeth's obsessive nature to improve his titles. Moreover, the audience may recall it was common belief that kings were selected by God as his representative. Hence, a Jacobean audience may feel that Shakespeare is presented ambition as never ending to show how delusional Macbeth has become and his pending Tragic Fall.
Ambition is presented as dangerous through biblical ties. "Be the innocent flower,/But the serpent under't" which refers to the serpent in the story of Adam and Eve, tempting the two humans thus mirroring the way Macbeth is tempted. Akin to Adam and Eve, Macbeth taking action (Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit), unleashes a great deal of negativity, it unleashes Macbeth's character downfall, like in the story of Adam and Eve. The audience would have known about Genesis in the Bible which would have amplified the illicit nature of Macbeth committing regicide and the threat it has; eternal punishment and doom. Shakespeare referring to a universal subject allows the audience to feel 'Macbeth' affecting all parts of their lives as it extracts ideas from their religion which would have been majorly popular which increases the tension felt by the audience.
Ambition is presented as dangerous through biblical ties. "Be the innocent flower,/But the serpent under't" which refers to the serpent in the story of Adam and Eve, tempting the two humans thus mirroring the way Macbeth is tempted. Akin to Adam and Eve, Macbeth taking action (Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit), unleashes a great deal of negativity, it unleashes Macbeth's character downfall, like in the story of Adam and Eve. The audience would have known about Genesis in the Bible which would have amplified the illicit nature of Macbeth committing regicide and the threat it has; eternal punishment and doom. Shakespeare referring to a universal subject allows the audience to feel 'Macbeth' affecting all parts of their lives as it extracts ideas from their religion which would have been majorly popular which increases the tension felt by the audience.
A good essay example from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7DYol0YHhw
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