MACBETH IN THE PLAY AS A WHOLE Flashcards
HOW DOES SHAKESPEARE PRESENT MACBETH IN THE PLAY AS A WHOLE
Ambition and Hubris: At the outset, Macbeth is depicted as a brave and loyal soldier who earns praise for his valor in battle. However, his encounter with the witches ignites a dormant ambition within him. As the play progresses, Macbeth’s ambition spirals out of control, leading him to commit increasingly heinous acts in pursuit of power. Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as a tragic figure whose unchecked ambition ultimately leads to his downfall.
Guilt and Conscience: Despite his ruthless pursuit of power, Macbeth is haunted by guilt and conscience throughout the play. He experiences intense remorse and psychological torment after murdering King Duncan, and his guilt only intensifies as the body count rises. Shakespeare depicts Macbeth as a tortured soul, grappling with the moral implications of his actions and the psychological toll of his crimes.
