Themes
Ambition
One of the themes of Macbeth is ambition and we see this with both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
They are tempted by the idea that Macbeth will become king – Macbeth is not sure what to do but his wife is ruthless in getting what she wants – she views her husband as a coward and appears ready to do anything.
Ambition leads to evil - it makes Macbeth stronger and more determined, but then destroys his wife - she goes mad.
Ambition eventually kills Macbeth as well, because he becomes a tyrant and so loses the support of his friends.
Good and evil
Macbeth himself is not a totally evil man. There is much about him that is good and he experiences an on-going struggle with his conscience.
Good is shown in many symbols throughout the play.
- Heroism - Duncan and his men represent right and order. They are trying to restore peace to Scotland.
- Bravery - Macbeth is described as being a brave man,
brave Macbeth, well he deserves that name
(Act one, Scene two, Line 16) - Symbols of good - Malcolm and Macduff are built up as figures of goodness and provide a contrast to the evil of Macbeth.
Evil is also shown in many symbols within the play.
- The supernatural - the witches and their spells are linked with the devil.
- The evil thoughts some characters have - Lady Macbeth imagines the knocking out of her child's brains and Macbeth imagines the dagger, and tries to prepare himself for the evil deed of murder.
- The evil deeds - the murder of Duncan and the murder of Macduff's family.
