Macbeth themes

Ambition & Temptation

The Macbeths' ambition is sparked by witches, though never make them do anything.

Macbeth

Ambition overwhelms him

illustrates danger of naked ambition, freed from moral or social conscience.

Fate

Is it real?

Banquo & Macbeth question this after hearing prophesies.

Unlike Banquo, Macbeth acts

Question as to whether human agency is required or if it is pre-determined.

This is never clarified

Violence

war

Lady Macbeth's suicide

murder

Macbeth's beheading

When Macbeth murders Duncan, he realises others may access the throne in this way. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Nature & Unnatural

Providential

belief that health of country linked to moral legitimacy of king.

Duncan's murder causes natural chaos

Duncan & Malcolm use metaphor of plant & growth about kingdom

Macbeth & Lady Macbeth

wish natural would disappear

use it to hide their cruel schemes

They become unnatural

Gender roles

questions of nature & responsibility of manhood

Macduff leaves family

Macbeth's decision to not kill the king

Banquo: strength to restrain desires

would Macbeth have committed these acts without the prophesy?

Guilt & Remorse

Visions

bloody dagger

blood on hands

Duncan's body/chamberlains = physical reminder of guilt

Macbeth vs Lady Macbeth

Macbeth = overcomes guilt which plagues him early on in play

Lady Macbeth = initially urges murder; guilt & remorse ultimately drives her to her death.

both prove fatal for the Macbeths

Prophesy might've come true in a dfiferent way.

Renaissance view: Microcosm to Macrocosm

relationship between order on earth & order on larger scale of universe.

Lady Macbeth usurps 'male' role in patriarchal marriage

Choices repeatedly questioned

Reason vs passion

Macbeth = rational.

thinks about consequences of actions

considers political, ethical & religious implications

Lady Macbeth = passionate

motivated by feelings

emotional arguments to persuade Macbeth