In the final scene of act one, Macbeth is contemplating the grave consequences and life-changing result of murdering Duncan (1.7.1-10). Macbeth knows that his actions will haunt him (1.7.11) and that there’s absolutely no other reason to murder Duncan than his own “vaulting ambition” (1.7.27). Murdering his king, cousin and guest would be an unjustifiable and senseless act.
The internal struggle between “good and evil” Macbeth faces is apparent. He wishes that there was a way to “trammel up the consequences” (1.7.3) and “jump to the life to come” (1.7.9). But, Macbeth’s desire for power and authority outweigh his moral conscience. The opportunity to attain power through any means necessary, even murder, is too great a temptation.
Summoning