Themes in Macbeth
Shakespeare uses many different themes throughout the play Macbeth.
Blind Ambition
Macbeth's desire to obtain power and prestige at any cost. This began when King Duncan had appointed him as the Thane of Cawdor. It gave him a taste of power and he wanted more. Once he had used violence, it was easier for him to continue killing to reach his goal.
Gender Issues
Lady Macbeth wants to be a man to exert her control over others. She questions characters about their masculinity. Masculinity is related to aggression and violence in Macbeth. The witches or females (Lady Macbeth) is another source of evil. Lady Macbeth does not follow the traditional 1600 Elizabethan female characteristics. |
Good vs Evil
Fate vs Freewill
The witches represent fate. Macbeth represents free
will or choice. Macbeth made the choice to kill
Duncan and Banquo. Macbeth has anger management
problems after killing Duncan. Rather than just
framing the servants, he chose to kill them.