Macbeth: The Locomotive of Ambition The themes in literary stories play a vital role in the development of the plot and characters. In Macbeth, the theme ambition drives the characters and are perpetuated and molded through the decisions and actions of characters like Macbeth. As the characters mature their personality traits are heightened and directed into the various themes of the play. The theme ambition, in Macbeth, determine the actions and decisions of the characters such as Macbeth that ultimately change the course of the play, and as the theme is developed through the story it is altered into irrational desire and fear of losing power.
The theme ambition is introduced through the desire of Macbeth to become king in which he is conflicted over. Macbeth’s aside shows internal conflict on what to do, as half of his prophecy has come true and ponders whether the second half will be truthful saying “This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success Commencing in a truth?” [I.III]. Macbeth is conflicted on whether the prophecy is beneficial as he worries what may happen to Duncan, the current king of Scotland, if himself were to become king. Macbeth’s ambition is being halted by his moral compass, hoping that he can be king but keep Duncan safe and avoid murder altogether. Macbeth was stricken, like a church struck by lightning, with the disturbing thought to kill Duncan, “Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair