Macbeth:
* From ambition to despair: Macbeth begins the play consumed by ambition, fueled by the witches' prophecy and Lady Macbeth's encouragement. In act 5, his ambition has turned into a hollow victory. He is haunted by guilt, paranoia, and the fear of death. His famous "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" speech reflects his disillusionment and the emptiness of his reign.
* From confident warrior to a broken man: Macbeth's confidence and decisiveness, seen in earlier acts, crumbles. He becomes increasingly erratic, prone to fits of anger and paranoia. His once-fearless nature is replaced by fear and desperation. He is consumed by the feeling that he is trapped in a circle of violence and death.
* From a king to a victim: Macbeth's power and position have become a burden, a symbol of the emptiness he feels. He is no longer in control, but is controlled by the consequences of his actions and the witches' prophecy. His final moments are those of a man defeated, consumed by the choices he has made.
Lady Macbeth:
* From a ruthless manipulator to a broken soul: Lady Macbeth's ambition and ruthless determination fueled their rise to power. However, the weight of her actions consumes her. Her sleepwalking scene reveals her deep-seated guilt and the torment she experiences.
* From a strong and controlling figure to a vulnerable victim: Lady Macbeth's initial strength and control are replaced by vulnerability and fragility. She becomes consumed by guilt, unable to cope with the consequences of her actions. Her descent into madness and eventual death highlight the destruction caused by her ambition.
* From a partner in crime to a tragic figure: While initially Lady Macbeth was an active participant in Macbeth's crimes, in act 5, she becomes a tragic figure. Her guilt and remorse are a powerful reminder of the human cost of ambition and the destructive power of evil.
In summary:
The fifth act depicts the tragic downfall of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Their transformation highlights the devastating consequences of ambition, guilt, and the corrosive effects of evil. They are no longer the ambitious and powerful figures they once were but victims of their own actions, consumed by remorse and the fear of death.