In Macbeth, complex characters such as Macbeth change from being a loyal, brave soldier to a corrupted as a result of surrounding events. Through the use of themes such as ambition and guilt, as well as literary techniques, Shakespeare comments on how even the most righteous and innocent person can undergo a transformation into an evil being.
Epitomes of ambition are prevalent in Macbeth. Initially, Macbeth is the “bravest” soldier and the honourable Thane of Glamis. Macbeth's purity and innocence is suggested in “Duncan hath born his faculties so meek, hath been so clear in his great office that his virtues will plead like angels”. The simile “like angels” makes reference to a holy and religious subject, emphasizing Macbeth's morality and ethics. In “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won”, the composer juxtaposes the plight of the Thane of Cawdor and the Thane of Glamis. It is suggested that the Thane of Cawdor's death was resulted by Macbeth's efforts, placing him in a position of power. This further foreshadows Macbeth rise to authority, being King. During Macbeth's confrontation with the witches, he orders “Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more”.
Macbeth still endeavours to seek information, despite the witches being “imperfect”. This irony portrays Macbeth's great ambition for power which distorts his perspective of reality. It is also this meeting that changes Macbeth forever and this is evident in his scheming mind, “If good, then why do I yield to that suggestion, whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs against the use of nature?” The vivid imagery implies how seriously the prophecies have impacted on Macbeth's mind, to the point of considering murder. This further signals Macbeth's transformation from good to evil, under the influence of ambition prevalent in the witches' prophecies. Thus, even the most “perfect” soldier like Macbeth is capable of becoming “imperfect”, under the influence of ambition.
The stench of guilt is thoroughly explored and portrayed by Shakespeare throughout the play. This is most evident through the use of blood imagery. Before the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth states “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent”. This suggests that initially, Macbeth is free of guilt and feels no real reason to harm a person he is so loyal to. The metaphor of spurring a horse suggests that Macbeth's actions will only serve to aggravate the situation and will do him no benefit. After the murder of Kind Duncan and Banquo, Macbeth begins to feel guilty, “With all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas in carnadine, making the green one red", which represents the greater guilt that has been accumulated upon him. The use of the hyperbole serves to emphasis how deeply this guilt has affected him mentally; he cannot rid himself of the images of the murder.
Guilt is also shown in Macbeth's commitment to death and deceit. Macbeth feels that there is no point in retracting away from the evil, “I am blood stepp'd in so far, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'e”. The metaphor of the blood bath emphasises the extent of Macbeth's sins. As a result of his wrongdoings, Macbeth feels that stopping now would be as hard as continuing and thus accepts the guilt encumbered on his mind. Guilt is also portrayed to have deadened Macbeth's feelings, “She would have died here after, there would have been a time for such a word, tomorrow”. This shows how indifferent Macbeth is to his loving wife and signifies the completion of the transformation that Macbeth undergoes. Thus, under influence of guilt, it is shown that Macbeth has changed and altered into an immoral being.
The play Macbeth has been composed by Shakespeare to divulge the detrimental effects of guilt and ambition on one's character. Macbeth has now transformed into one who is completely different to his previous self; his actions are ruthless, irrational and unrealistic. As shown by the surrounding events within the play, the play conveys the idea that any person can undergo a change and become evil.
