Setting

The setting in Macbeth is very important to the element of greed and ambition.  It takes place in 11th century Scotland.  These medieval times were full of war and quests for power; one often came about because of the other.  When it came to the throne, there was to be a line of succession and this often caused problems among the lords and other high ranking officials.  The King would often name his successor(in Macbeth Malcolm was named) and if the lords didn't agree with his choice, war was a good way to make there point.  Most often the person who had the largest, strongest army would take the throne.
Since the times allowed for Macbeth to control his people by force, he did.  He felt that he could keep himself on the throne by disposing of anyone who might cause him to loose his position.  Macduff 's family paid the price when Macbeth wanted to show his force.