Analysis of the major themes and climax of Macbeth

by

Basmah Mahdi AL-Bogami 0879474

Ambition

Deception

Temptation

Guilt

Loyalty

Major Themes

The theme of ambition in Macbeth is linked to that of

good and evil. Like many other passions and impulses,

ambition can be both foul and fair. Through Macbeth,

we see that it can be fair when put to good uses, and

when it is kept in check by one’s sense of right and

wrong. But ambition is foul when it becomes so

powerful that it destroys a person’s morality.

Unleashed, such ambition wreaks havoc on the

individual, and on his society.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are driven by the ambition

for personal status, and for power. The play is deeply

concerned with political power: with the power of a

king over his subjects, and with the good and bad uses

of power. The ideal is a king who governs wisely, justly,

and strongly.

Ambition

In Macbeth, evil frequently wears a pretty cloak. Early in the play, the three witches

declare that “fair is foul,” a paradox suggesting that whatever appears good is really bad. For

example, murdering Duncan appears to be a “fair” idea to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, for

Macbeth would accede to the throne. But Macbeth soon discovers that only bad has come

of their deed, and their very lives–and immortal souls–are in jeopardy. Macbeth also

perceives the prophecies made by the “armed head” and the “bloody child” as good omens;

in fact, these prophecies are deceptive wordplays that foretell Macbeth’s downfall.

The theme of deception can also be found when Duncan was deceived by the Thane of

Cawdor“ earlier in the play and rewarded Macbeth with his title who eventually became a

traitor.

Other quotations that describes this theme are the following:

Look like the innocent flower,

But be the serpent under ’t.

Away, and mock the time with fairest show:

False face must hide what the false heart doth know.

To show an unfelt sorrow is an office

Which the false man does easy.

One cannot read a man’s mind in his face. Our outward appearance does not reveal our

inward thoughts/plans.

Deception

Temptation can defeat even the strongest human beings. On the

battlefield, Macbeth is a lion and a leader of men. But when the

witches tempt him by prophesying that he will become king of

Scotland, he Surrendered to the lure of power. When his resolve

weakens, Lady Macbeth fortifies it with strong words.

Temptation

In many of Shakespeare's plays the notion of loyalty acts

as a central theme. However, in many of his plays, with

loyalty comes betrayal. Macbeth is no different. In this

play, betrayal not only creates the power in which many

characters indulge in, but also their downfalls.

Betrayal is a very important part of Macbeth because it is

the driving force behind all of the changes in power

in the play. The earliest example of betrayal serving as a

impetus in power change is in Act 1, Scene 2, when

Macbeth is rewarded for his loyalty to the king while the

Thane of Cawdor is stripped of his title because of

his betrayal of the king.

Loyalty

Guilt haunts the evildoer. Whether from prick of conscience

or fear of discovery, Macbeth’s guilt begins to manifest itself

immediately after he murders Duncan and the guards (Act II,

Scene II). “This is a sorry sight” he tells Lady Macbeth.

Looking at the blood on his hands Macbeth then says he

thought he heard a voice saying, “Sleep no more! / Macbeth

does murder sleep”. When they hear knocking moments later

at the castle door, it is the sound of their guilt as much as the

sound of the knocker, Macduff. Also lady Macbeth

sleepwalking and hallucination is a sign of guilt.

Guilt

What is the climax of Macbeth?

1)The turning point in a plot or dramatic action, especially one marking a change in the protagonist's affairs.

2)The turning point at which the conflict begins to resolve itself for better or worse.

The Climax

Macbeth’s murder of Duncan in Act 2 represents the point of no return, after which

Macbeth is forced to continue butchering his subjects to avoid the consequences of his

crime.

At the banquet scene, Macbeth can no longer hide his torment and guilt. He

incriminates himself saying "Thou canst say I did it." From this point forward in the play,

there is no hope for Macbeth. His mind and his country sink into chaos. It is obvious that

he is beyond the point of recovery, and his story will end tragically.

When the prophecies of the witches become true in act 5; Macbeth discover that he

was deceived by the witches and left to face his death in the battle field.

There have been a great debate about the climax of Macbeth which are:

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monkeynot

es/pmMacbeth04.asp

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/

References: