Shakespeare's Presentation Of Ambition In Macbeth

One of the main themes in Macbeth is ambition and from the start we can see just how tempted Macbeth is at the thought of becoming king. He recognises his 'black and deep desires' but writes to tell his wife at length and is increasingly torn by a 'suggestion' that killing Duncan will make the witches' predictions come true.

Macbeth recognises where ambition can lead and the contrast between what he thinks he should do, and his inner thoughts. His language reflects this, using antithesis such as 'heaven or to hell'. In fact, his very first words are 'So fair and foul a day'. This repeats what the witches have been saying and it would be obvious to an audience in Shakespeare's day that Macbeth is already associated with the evil the witches represent
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are at the heart of the play - they provide the ambition, the justification and the actions which drive the events forward.
Our first view of them is of a close, caring couple. Macbeth doesn't treat her as a passive, submissive wife. Instead she is his equal and his letter calls her his 'dearest partner'. She, on the other hand, seems tougher and more business-like. She says she wants to 'pour my spirits' into his ear and we quickly see how determined she is. For instance, when they meet Macbeth calls her his 'dearest love' but her response is to ask where Duncan will go after his
visit.