Ambition

The beginning of the play depicts a very interesting situation between ambition and morality.  MacBeth emerges as a successful general and Thane of Glamis without so much as a dream of becoming king.  It is amazing how, when the idea is put forth by the witches, the prospect of becoming king goes from nonexistent to mind-consuming.  When the witches profesy MacBeth to become the king, he is left with two choices: wait patiently and trust that he will someday come to power, or take action to ensure his destiny.  The ambition driving MacBeth makes it seem as if it is his duty, not passion, to kill the king, and that this route is the only available course of action.  When MacBeth questions the idea of killing Duncan in innocent blood, it is his wife, Lady MacBeth that acts as the driving force behind his self-promoting treachery.  MacBeth ultimately cannot withstand the idea of supreme power, and succumbs to ambition by killing the king.  This play serves to show what happens when ubridled ambition is not hindered by a moral compass.