Macbeth Lesson

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• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Macbeth

Exploring the major themes

What are some of the themes found in Macbeth?

What are the major themes in Macbeth?

Ambition

The theme of ambition can be seen 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.

Supernatural

Another major theme is the supernatural - the idea there are mysterious forces controlling what is happening in our lives. The very first characters we meet are the three witches, and their prophecies drive the story forward.

In Shakespeare's time belief in witchcraft was very strong and many so-called witches were burnt at the stake. It is not surprising his audience would have taken these ideas seriously and felt Macbeth was somehow possessed.

Guilt

Lady Macbeth also feels guilt for her role in these crimes, and she tries to explain it away and give herself a clean slate:

However, she is unable to clear her conscience and continues to be tormented. She begins to go insane. When she speaks one of the most famous lines in the play, she is sleepwalking and dreaming that the blood of the king is on her hands and cannot be washed away”

Violence

To call Macbeth a violent play is an understatement. It begins in battle, contains the murder of men, women, and children, and ends not just with a climactic siege but the suicide of Lady Macbeth and the beheading of its main character, Macbeth. 

In the process of all this bloodshed, Macbeth makes an important point about the nature of violence: every violent act, even those done for selfless reasons, seems to lead inevitably to the next. 

Revenge

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In pairs, explore one of the given themes from Macbeth

Drag and drop the quote with the correct theme

Greed

Supernatural

Guilt

"Out damn spot!"

"Is this a dagger which I see before me"

“I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition”

Based on the theme of 'power', provide a supporting quote from the text...

Suggest a quote which you feel is versatile and can be applied to more than one theme (name the themes)

Which theme is most strongly represented by Macbeth’s desire to become king?

A

Loyalty

B

Fate

C

Ambition

D

Justice

What theme in Macbeth delves into the influence of fate and destiny?

A

Betrayal

B

Justice

C

Ambition

D

Fate

What role do the witches play in the development of the plot?

A

They directly control Macbeth’s actions

B

They offer prophecies that influence Macbeth’s choices

C

They punish Macbeth for his crimes

D

They attempt to warn Duncan

How confident are you currently feeling about your understanding of the themes found in Macbeth?