Themes

Question 1

Ambition and Power

Answer 1

• After the witches’ predictions, Macbeth’s ambition is contrasted with Banquo’s Loyalty
• Macbeth demands that the witches speak to him
• As soon as Macbeth speaks to the witches he thinks about becoming King
• Lady Macbeth wants to be Queen and get husband to be King
  Macbeth says that ambition is his only reason to kill King Duncan
  ● Macbeth kills King Duncan because he wants to be the King
  ● Banquo recognises Macbeth’s ambition and worries he might have killed King Duncan
  ● Macbeth orders the murder of Banquo and his son as he is afraid he will lose his power
  ● Again, worried about his power, Macbeth goes back to the witches
  ● Consumed with power, he orders the murder of Macduff’s wife and children
  ● Believing that he is invincible, Macbeth waits in his castle for the English army
  ● Lady Macbeth, no longer powerful, dies off-stage
  ● With the death of Macbeth, rightful power is restored at the end of the play