Macbeth Ambition Quotes

At the start of the play, Macbeth is well respected among King Duncan’s army. He encounters three witches who give him a prophecy that he will become king. At first, Macbeth believes that fate and the natural order will lead him to become king, and he doesn’t have to do anything. Macbeth’s wife convinces him to kill King Duncan, which he eventually proceeds to do. Macbeth continues to commit murders to maintain his power, and he thinks there is no going back. Ultimately, he feels guilty and regretful of his actions and faces severe consequences. When fate and the natural order don’t work in his favor, Macbeth’s growing ambition and ignorance cause him to disregard them, leading to destructive consequences. Macbeth’s ambition and ignorance

However, as Macbeth’s ambition grows, his actions become more erratic, and he begins questioning the natural order. He says, “The instruments of darkness tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s / In deepest consequence” (1.3.124-126). This quote highlights Macbeth’s willingness to listen to the witches and follow their prophecies despite the consequences. He is willing to betray his loyalty to King Duncan and disrupt the natural order to pursue his ambition. “The castle of Macduff I will surprise; seize upon Fife; give to the edge o’ the sword his wife his babes, and all the unfortunate souls” (4.1. 165-167). This shows Macbeth’s complete disregard for human life and his willingness to commit crimes to maintain his power. He sees Macduff as a significant threat and is willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate him, including murdering Macduff’s wife and children. His ambition has consumed him, and he has lost touch with morality or compassion. His actions are driven only by his ambition for power, regardless of any consequences he may

“I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself / And falls on the other” (1.7.25-28). This quote highlights his awareness that his actions are only driven by ambition. His desire to become king is driven solely by his ambition, which will eventually lead him to destruction. “I’ll go no more: / I am afraid to think what I have done; / Look on’t again I dare not” (2.2.47-49). Macbeth feels regret and guilt after murdering King Duncan. He is beginning to understand the consequences of his actions and the disruption of the natural order that he has caused. Macbeth’s guilt shows that he still has some understanding of the natural order, but his ambition and desire for power are clouding his judgment. “I am in blood / Stepp’d in so far, that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er” (3.4.136-138). This quote highlights how Macbeth’s ambition led him to commit several crimes that he cannot turn back. He is too deep, and there is no return to his previous self. Macbeth’s desperation to hold onto power has driven him to the point of no return, and this quote shows how his transformation is