Ambiguity and Equivocation in Macbeth 11/28/98 Macbeth's voluntary misinterpretation of the ambiguity and equivocation of the witches relates to the play's theme, which states that uncontrolled desire for power often leads to irregular or violent actions, resulting in death and or destruction. After the first of the witches' prophecies comes true, Macbeth begins to believe in their truth. However, he also believes that the prophecies must all lead to his enrichment and empowerment. To that end, he twists the witches' words to fit his own purposes, ignoring the possibility that the prophecies might have