“I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself
And falls on th’ other.”
The given passage is from William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," specifically from Act 1, Scene 7. In this scene, Macbeth, the main character, is contemplating whether or not to assassinate King Duncan in order to seize the throne. The passage reflects Macbeth's internal struggle and the conflicting motives that drive his ambition.
"I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’ other."
In this soliloquy, Macbeth begins by acknowledging that he does not have any strong external motivation or reason to push him towards committing regicide (killing the king). The phrase "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent" suggests that he lacks a compelling reason or driving force to go through with the murder.
However, he admits that what fuels his desire to become king is his own "vaulting ambition." The term "vaulting" means overreaching or leaping over boundaries, implying that his ambition is excessive and unrestrained. Macbeth's ambition is so overwhelming that it "o’erleaps itself," causing him to go beyond logical and moral limits in his pursuit of power.
The last line, "And falls on th' other," signifies the consequences of his unchecked ambition. Macbeth realizes that his unbridled desire for the throne may lead to his own downfall, and he foresees that his ambition, like a horse that overjumps an obstacle, will ultimately lead to a devastating fall.
In this passage, Shakespeare masterfully portrays the inner conflict within Macbeth's mind. On one hand, he is hesitant and unsure about the idea of committing regicide, as he lacks a compelling motive to do so. On the other hand, his ambitious nature drives him to consider taking drastic and morally questionable actions to achieve his goal of becoming king. This internal struggle between ambition and morality sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold throughout the play.
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