macbeth themes Flashcards
theme
Ambition and power
Lady macbeth and macbeth share a desire for power throughout the play and are prepared to do anything to gain it. However , Shakespeare does not allow them to enjoy their goal; they are consumed with paranoia and guilt. Once intal crime has been committed , macbeth’s actions become more bloody and cruel as he desperately attempts to hold on to power; his rolle is characterised by fear and violence. In the final moments of the play , it is clear that his men have no loyalty to him ‘those in command , move only in command , nothing in love.
Loyalty and leadership
the play considers frequently what makes a good leader; as well as showing us an example of someone who was a strong leader ‘brave macbeth’ becoming a tyrant. Malcom and macduff’s conversation in act 4 reflects the moral responsibilites of a king. Treachery is a constant in this play and is present from the very first scene - the battle macbeth’s perform so well in is a rebellion by another traitor
Guilt and justice
Macbeth is very clear when he reflects on the immorality of killing duncan simply for his ‘vaulting ambition ‘. Lady macbeth assures him that ‘ a little water’ will wash away the guilt, yet ironically she is driven mad by the metaphorically blood on her hands. Shakespeare suggests that the natural justice will punish those who defy the natural order of the world..
Blood
reflected many times throughout the play especially in the relation to guilt ; lady macbeth assures macbeth ‘ a little water ‘ can wash it away but by her final scene she is driven mad by a ‘damn spot’ that she cannot wash her hands.
Blood symbolizes the guilt that sits like a permanent stain on the conscience of both macbeth and lady macbeth , one that hounds them to their graves.
Reality and appearance
he contrast between reality and appearance is also shown by references to thoughts, dreams and actions. Banquo talks about the cursed thoughts (Act two, Scene one, Line 8) he has had and his dreams of the witches. Macbeth talks of the world of thought and dreams and sometimes is stuck there.
