“Only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself”

• he acknowledges that his desire for power is the sole driving force behind the idea of murdering Duncan. 
• metaphor of “vaulting ambition” suggests an uncontrolled, reckless energy, like leaping so far it loses balance and collapses. 
• conveys the danger of unchecked ambition, foreshadowing Macbeth’s eventual downfall as a result of overreaching. 
• presents ambition not as a noble trait, but as a destructive flaw that blinds him to reason and morality. 
• theme of ambition, showing how it can spiral beyond control when not tempered by conscience or values.
• Importantly, Macbeth is still capable of self-awareness at this point, he recognises the risks.
• this awareness is ultimately overpowered by his ambition.
• encapsulates the internal conflict that defines much of the play.
• it marks the beginning of Macbeth’s tragic descent as he chooses to pursue power at any cost.
• Act 1, Scene 7