ambition

• "Distaining fortune with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution" Description of macbeth during battle. 


  He hates luck and is showing off his sword on fire. Vivid imagery of someone carrying out punishment that hates the idea of destiny controlling them. Macbeth likes to be in control of his fate so he carries out violent acts. He believes its the only way he gains power eg. killing Duncan. Foreshadows his downfall by listening to the prophecies and going against God.
• " Vaulting ambition which overleaps itself" 


  Struggling with idea of killing Duncan and is unsure if he able to overcome the obstacle. A step too fa, figurative image of him trying to jump too high but falling down. Great chain of being if he goes against Duncan he disrupts the chain making it a large obstacle.
• "Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair, And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?"


  The quote from Macbeth reflects his internal conflict after hearing the witches' prophecies. His heart pounding and hair standing on end symbolize his fear and anxiety at the thought of committing murder to fulfill the prophecy of becoming king. Despite the horror this idea induces, it's evident his ambition is considering this dreadful act, indicating the start of his destructive path.
• "if chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir"


  Could argue that his ambition was so immediate he couldnt wait to become king.