1. Ambition:
- The prophecy awakens Macbeth's dormant ambition, which becomes an all-consuming obsession. He starts to entertain the idea of becoming king, even if it means committing regicide.
2. Moral Decline:
- Macbeth grapples with his conscience and moral values initially but ultimately succumbs to his desire for power. The prophesy erodes his moral fiber and allows him to rationalize his actions, no matter how unethical or brutal.
3. Guilt and Paranoia:
- After killing King Duncan, Macbeth becomes plagued by guilt. The memory of Duncan's murder starts to haunt him, leading to sleeplessness, hallucinations, and paranoid fears of retribution.
4. Ruthlessness:
- In an attempt to secure his position as king, Macbeth becomes increasingly ruthless, eliminating anyone he perceives as a threat. He orchestrates further murders, such as those of Banquo and Macduff's family.
5. Tyrannical Rule:
- Macbeth's reign as king is marked by tyranny and oppression. He becomes a suspicious and fearful ruler, isolating himself from his subjects and fostering resentment among them.
6. Emotional Instability:
- The relentless guilt and anxiety caused by his actions take a toll on Macbeth's emotions. He descends into madness, experiencing delusions, irrational outbursts, and a loss of touch with reality.
7. Loss of Identity:
- Macbeth's transformation is so significant that he becomes a mere shell of his former self. He loses his sense of identity and humanity as he sinks deeper into darkness.
Overall, the prophecy becomes a self-fulfilling curse for Macbeth, corrupting his character and driving him down a path of destruction