Explain the following passages with reference to the context. 1. “I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’ other.”

This passage from William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is part of Macbeth's soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7, where he contemplates the murder of King Duncan. It reveals his internal conflict and the driving forces behind his contemplation of regicide.

Contextual Explanation

Macbeth's Inner Conflict

At this point in the play, Macbeth is deeply conflicted about the idea of killing King Duncan. He recognizes Duncan's virtues and his own duties as a kinsman and subject. This soliloquy occurs after Lady Macbeth has challenged his manhood and ambition, urging him to seize the crown through murder.

The Metaphor of the Spur

"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent" uses the metaphor of a spur (a device used to urge a horse forward) to describe his lack of motivation for the deed. Macbeth acknowledges that he has no justifiable reason to kill Duncan, who is a good king and his relative. The only thing that could drive him (his "spur") is his ambition.

Vaulting Ambition

"Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other" is a critical line. Macbeth recognizes that his ambition is excessive ("vaulting") and that it might lead to his downfall. The imagery suggests that his ambition is like a person trying to jump over something but leaping too high, losing control, and falling down on the other side. This metaphor foreshadows the potential consequences of his actions – that his ambition might not only fail to achieve his goals but also lead to his ruin.

Thematic Significance

The Dangers of Unchecked Ambition

This passage is central to one of the play's major themes: the dangerous nature of unchecked ambition. Macbeth's acknowledgment of his "vaulting ambition" as his sole motivator for contemplating Duncan's murder highlights the moral and ethical decay that can result from ambition without restraint.

Foreshadowing Macbeth's Downfall

The imagery of ambition that "o'erleaps itself" foreshadows the trajectory of Macbeth's own story. His overreaching ambition will indeed lead to his temporary success but ultimately his tragic downfall, as he becomes increasingly tyrannical and disconnected from reality.

Contrast with Lady Macbeth

This soliloquy also sets up a contrast between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. While Macbeth shows hesitation and moral contemplation, Lady Macbeth is resolute in her ambition, willing to cast aside moral and societal norms to achieve power. This difference in their characters becomes a pivotal point in the play's development.

Conclusion

In this passage, Shakespeare masterfully encapsulates the essence of Macbeth's internal struggle and the play's exploration of ambition. Macbeth's recognition of his ambition as both the driving force and potential downfall in his quest for power serves as a critical moment in the play, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow.