How Shakespeare uses language to convey the dustructiveness of ambition in Macbeth

Ambition is a strong theme throughout macbeth, which drives the storyline of the play. When the witches grant Macbeth the prophecies, Macbeth becomes obsessive on the concept of fulfilling his ambition as becoming king. Early in the play Macbeth says “Two truths are told; As happy prologues to swelling act; Of the imperial theme”. Here Macbeth is speaking on the fact that two of the three prophecies the witches gave him have come true. The pure obsession over this idea displays that he finds the idea of being King very appealing. Although at this point he believes it will happen without him having to act. Macbeth’s ambition to become King soon drives him to make the decision to kill Duncan. He says, “I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself
And falls on th’other”. Macbeth is now speaking out about the doubt he has in his plan to kill Duncan. He uses a metaphor to explain the internal conflict he is experiencing. He discribes it to riding a horse, being unable to motivate himself to take action by likening himself to a rider who cannot use his spurs to motivate his horse to go faster.