Major Themes Of Macbeth
Fortune, Fate, and Free Will
With an unpredictable swing up or down, one could equally easily crash to the base of the wheel. Fate, on the other hand, is fixed. In a fatalistic universe, the length and outcome of one's life (destiny) is predetermined by external forces.
Read MoreProphecy Theme
The prophecy fans the flames of ambition within Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, serving as the primary impetus for the couple to plot the death of Duncan--and subsequently Banquo.
Read MoreGuilt and Remorse Theme
At first physical remainders of a regrettable crime, the royal blood leaves permanent marks on the psyche of the couple, forever staining them with guilt and remorse.
Read MoreGhosts and Visions Theme
The three apparitions that the witches summon, for example, are usually taken to be "real" - even if only as supernatural occurrences. But the matter is less clear when it comes to Banquo' ghost.
Read MoreThe Natural/Supernatural Theme
Even the events leading to the conclusion of the play can be understood as a negotiation of the natural and supernatural.
Read MoreDichotomy and Equivocation Theme
"Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell / That summons thee to heaven or hell" (II i64); "God's benison go with you, and with those/ That would make good of bad, and friends of foes" (II iv 41-42).
Read MoreAmbition and Temptation
Ambition and temptation both play a key factor in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's decision to kill Duncan. Macbeth possesses enough self-awareness to realize the dangers of overzealous ambition:
Read MoreSalvation and Damnation Theme
Indeed, the story of Macbeth is that of a man who acquiesces in his damnation - in part because he cannot utter words that may attenuate his crime.
Read MoreThe Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition Theme
Macbeth is a courageous Scottish general who is not naturally inclined to commit evil deeds, yet he deeply desires power and advancement.
Read MoreThe Relationship Between Cruelty and Masculinity Theme
To Malcolm's suggestion, "Dispute it like a man," Macduff replies, "I shall do so. But I must also feel it as a man" (4.3.221 - 223).
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