Ambition
The engine of the tragedy. Macbeth's 'vaulting ambition' is named in his own 1.7 soliloquy as the only reason to kill Duncan - there is no grievance, no injustice, just appetite. Shakespeare tracks ambition across both Macbeths: in him it curdles into paranoid tyranny, in her into self-destruction.
How it develops
Planted by the witches' prophecy, sharpened by Lady Macbeth, released by Duncan's murder, and ultimately hollowed out by the 'Tomorrow' soliloquy.
Supporting quotes
- "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself" (1.7)
- "Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires" (1.4)
- "Thou wouldst be great; art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it" (1.5)