From Noble Warrior to Bloodthirsty Tyrant
As the play progresses, ambition completely consumes Macbeth's conscience, transforming him into a paranoid tyrant who associates power with brutality. He wants to move "with Tarquin's ravishing strides"—referencing a Roman tyrant known for rape and violence—showing how far his moral standards have fallen.
This transformation isn't just about power; it's also driven by Lady Macbeth's constant attacks on his masculinity. Macbeth begins to believe that true power requires ruthless violence, leading to his decision to murder Banquo and attempt to kill Fleance.
> Reality Check: Even after achieving his goal, Macbeth feels insecure, stating "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus"—proving that ambition never truly satisfies.
By the play's end, Macbeth experiences anagnorisis (recognition of truth) and realises his ambition was futile. His language becomes dominated by images of death, transience, and meaninglessness. The famous metaphor comparing life to "a tale told by an idiot... signifying nothing" shows his complete disillusionment—he finally understands that his ambition led to spiritual emptiness rather than genuine power.
Shakespeare's message is clear: unchecked ambition doesn't lead to lasting success but to isolation, paranoia, and ultimately, destruction.