Final answer:
Macbeth's monologue upon learning of Lady Macbeth's death reflects on the futility of life and the emptiness of his own ambitions, symbolizing his transition from aspiring to nihilistic.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth's death, his reaction is captured in a monologue which is not only famous for its expression of despair but also for its philosophical introspection. The monologue explores themes of life's futility and the inevitability of death.
Furthermore, the reference to life as a 'brief candle' and 'a walking shadow' suggests a nihilistic view that life is transient and ultimately meaningless. This is in stark contrast to the beginning of the play, where Macbeth is consumed by ambition and the desire to achieve greatness.
Now, facing the consequences of his and his wife's actions, Macbeth reflects on the emptiness of his pursuits and the evasiveness of the power and status he so desperately sought.