1. Ambition and the Prophecy:
Macbeth's ambition is the driving force behind his actions. After encountering the three witches, who predict that he will become King, Macbeth's desire for power consumes him. He becomes obsessed with the prophecy and believes that killing King Duncan is necessary for his rise to the throne.
2. Influence of Lady Macbeth:
Lady Macbeth plays a significant role in fueling her husband's ambitions. She relentlessly manipulates and encourages him to commit murder, arguing that it is the only way to secure the crown. Lady Macbeth's persuasions and taunting play a crucial role in Macbeth's descent into darkness.
3. Fear and Guilt:
After murdering Duncan, Macbeth experiences overwhelming guilt and fear. These emotions haunt him, leading to paranoia and a desperate need to eliminate anyone who poses a threat to his position. Macbeth becomes trapped in a cycle of violence as he kills more and more people to protect himself.
4. Loss of Morality:
As Macbeth continues down the path of murder, he gradually loses his moral compass. The more he kills, the less remorse he feels, and the more he justifies his actions as necessary for his own survival. His moral boundaries erode, and he becomes capable of committing heinous acts without hesitation.
5. Psychological Collapse:
Macbeth's actions take a toll on his mental state, leading to a complete psychological breakdown. He hallucinates, experiences visions of the ghost of Banquo, and becomes increasingly detached from reality. His mental anguish drives him to even more extreme and desperate acts of violence.
6. Corrupting Influence of Power:
As Macbeth clings to power, he becomes corrupted by its intoxicating effects. He believes that he is invincible and above the consequences of his crimes. The taste of power leads him to make rash decisions and become more ruthless in eliminating potential threats.
7. Lack of Redemption:
Unlike many Shakespearean tragic heroes, Macbeth does not find the opportunity for redemption. His guilt and shame consume him, and he ultimately succumbs to his own ambition and paranoia, leading to his downfall.
In conclusion, Macbeth's compulsion to kill is driven by his ambition, the influence of Lady Macbeth, guilt and fear, loss of morality, psychological collapse, the corrupting influence of power, and the absence of redemption. These factors contribute to his downfall and make him a tragic figure who, once a noble warrior, becomes consumed by his own desires and ultimately destroys himself.