Brittany Staten

Ambition Essay
My mom always believed that every accomplishment starts with a decision to try.
This means if you dont have any ambition to try, then you wont accomplish anything.
This quote is relevant because it is proven true throughout Shakespeares Macbeth and
Wilsons Fences. Cory is determined to try no matter the consequences to make his
dreams come true. His father, Troy tries to prevent him from making his dream come
true at every turn. Cory did accomplish a better life even though he was not a football
player. Macbeths desire for greatness causes him to take tragic actions to accomplish or
satisfy his desires.
In Shakespeares, Macbeth, his ambition to become king causes him to take tragic
actions such as, killing Duncan. Macbeth states, I have done the deed. Didst thou not
hear a noise? (Shakespeare 2.2-19). In this scene Macbeth has finally killed King
Duncan and his two sons have fled the city. Macduff and Ross have given the Kings
position to Macbeth. On page 75, Ross states Thriftless ambition, that will ravin up,
Thine own lives means. Then tis most like, The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth
(2.4.40-42). Ross is explaining to Macduff since King Duncans two sons have fled out
the city they have placed Macbeth as king and hes getting dressed in his coronation
robes and crown. Macbeths ambition to become king makes him feel accomplished even
though he had taken drastic measures, which ends up getting him killed.
In August Wilsons, Fences, two of the main characters are Troy and Cory. Troy the
father of Cory kept telling him that his dream of being a football player was a stupid idea.
Corys father told him that he wouldnt make any money being a football player. In the
book Troy goes down to the school to inform Corys coach that Cory has quit the football
team. Troy told Corys coach to tell the recruiter that Cory will not be playing football
anymore (Wilson 57). Then as Troy ends the conversation and walks away, Cory goes up
to Rose and states I aint quitting the team. I dont care what Poppa say (Wilson 59).
Even though Troy is doing his best to destroy Corys dream, Corys ambition is stronger
than his fathers efforts to destroy his dream. Cory does not have his fathers approval,
yet his desire to become a football player grows stronger and stronger. He continues to
pursue his dream.
In conclusion, Shakespeares, Macbeth and August Wilsons, Fences is a book
about a driving ambition to accomplish a goal regardless of the consequences. Troy, the
father saw his role as being a provider and protector, nearly looking after his son. Both
Troy and Cory had ambition. For example, Troy questioned why white men received the

Brittany Staten

drivers jobs. Cory wanted to be a football player during a time when football and other
sports were segregated. Fences are designed to keep things in and keep things out.
Macbeths ambition led to the death of many people, killing of King Duncan, Killing
Baniquo and his sons and because he feels like he is being threatened he murders
Macduffs family. Ambition can be good but also could be deadly because ambition is a
strong desire but if its a driving desire you dot consider the consequences of your
actions. Your concern it to accomplish your goals.