Themes

• What are the key themes in Macbeth

  • Ambition
  • Guilt
  • The supernatural
  • Appearance vs Reality
• Which characters show ambition in Macbeth?

  • Lady Macbeth
  • Macbeth
• How is ambition presented in Macbeth?


  • Ambition is the hamartia of the Macbeth's and it is the catalyst for their collapse
  • Macbeth is a tragic hero, who's downfall is a result of his unwavering ambition
• Why does Shakespeare use the theme of ambition?


  • Shakespeare presents ambition as morally corrosive, and shows how detrimental it can be for one.
  • Shakespeare allows the audience to witness the fragility of human life - it is easily changed or damaged
  • Shakespeare teaches the audience how omnipotent ambition can be, even in the presence of divine authority.
  • He cautions the audience about giving in to the temptations of ambition, and it can lead to life united with the devil.
• How does Macbeth show ambition?

  • 'Vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself' -