ambition

• "Two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of this imperial theme." - macbeth


  shows Macbeth's excited anticipation of becoming king, demonstrating that the seeds of ambition have been sewn in his head.
• "Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires." - macbeth


  Macbeth acknowledges that his ambition is destructive and negative. He understands the sinful actions he has to take if his ambitions are to come to pass.
• "Vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself and falls on th'other." - macbeth


  Macbeth's soliloquy where he explores his conflicting emotions about killing Duncan; he wants to be king, but feels uneasy about betraying a man who has promoted him. It is Lady Macbeth that then becomes the "spur" which urges him on.
• "We have scorched the snake, not killed it." - macbeth


  Macbeth uses the metaphor of the snake to symbolise the threats to his ambition, in the wake of giving the order that Banquo should be killed.