“Ambition is the first step to success, the second step is action”. There are many, many conflicting personalities that change and grow throughout the main character in the play, Macbeth. The reader’s first introduction is to a loyal warrior who transforms into a power hungry maniac, motivated by an ambition to gain the crown. Through the character Macbeth, Shakespeare illustrates how the nature of motivation directs an individual’s course of action by promises given, the influence of those around you, and guilt that arises. The prophecies spoken over Macbeth are the first influences to create ambitious thoughts inside his head and motivate him to take action. The first three prophecies he receives are what begin the process of building that …show more content…
Guilt piles itself heavily on him, leading to high stress levels and a loss of sleep. He is conscious that what he has done is wrong and yet cannot bring himself to try to make things right. Immediately after murdering Duncan, Macbeth knows he is in trouble due to the voice he heard, declaring him to “‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep’” (II.ii). This creates instant guilt and stays with him the rest of his duration on the throne. The guilt weighs on him, which adds to his lack of sleep depriving him of his decision making and thinking capabilities; crucial to have while in a position of power. Once he realizes the hole he is in, he decides he is trapped and continues down this path of murder and betrayal. He continually makes decisions that send him further and further into the abyss. Due to a lack of trust, he betrays those closest to him, particularly his old friend Banquo who’s “. . . throat is cut; That I did for him.” (III.iv), and takes vengeance on those he believes to be unloyal, such as MacDuff, to whom he declares, “The castle of MacDuff I will surprise; seize upon fife; give to th' edge o' the sword his wife, his babes and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line." ii. The aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid afor In ordering the slaughter of children and even the innocent in his command to “Hang those that talk of fear.” (V.iii), it demonstrates how desperate he is to remain in control. All common sense and caution has been thrown to the wind and he is only motivated by selfish ambitions. The initial guilt has multiplied to become a burden and a force that leads him to believe he is too far gone and is only able to continue down his chosen