Violence theme

• Key ideas

  • critical theme that is inextricably linked with a relentless pursuit of ambition
  • The allure of power and unchecked ambition inevitably causes violence to be a means of fulfilling this human desire
  • Theme of violence illuminates the psychological and social implications of tyranny
  • Motif of blood throughout highlights the consequences of regicide
  • It is a constant poignant reminded of the theme of violence that underpins the play
  • Highlights the erosion of morality when power is tangible
  • Violence is means it illegitimately acquire this power
• Shakespeare’s intentions


  • a cautionary tale to highlight detrimental consequences of morality when in the fate of corrupting power and violence
  • Shakespeare doesn’t outrightly condemn violence; rather critiques the potential for violence to spiral out of control when driven by ambition
  • initially Macbeth’s commendable acts of “valour” and the justified use of force do not demonise the theme of violence; rather serve as a narrative device to demonstrate the swift transformation of justified violence into something abhorrent and devastating
• Shakespeare intentions (2)

  • Shakespeare constructs Macbeth and L.M to personify violence through their tyrannical actions and bloodthirsty nature
  • serves as a vehicle for conveying a profound message highlighting the true consequences of violent actions not in the deeds themselves, but the psychological consequences that follow
• macbeth - “disdaining fortune”

  “Disdaining Fortune… Smoked with bloody execution” (Act 1)

  • “Smoke” could connote the heat and hell, foreshadowing his malevolent nature – will later face moral and psychological ramifications
  • “Disdaining Fortune” shows disregard for his fate, and his attempt to manipulate natural order – becomes evident in his disruption of the divine right of kings
  • Syntax – although Macbeth receives commendation for his stoic bravery as a soldier in Act 1, the syntax implies a symbiotic relationship between his downfall and intrinsic proclivity for violence
  • Positioning of “fortune” preceding “execution” foreshadows Macbeth’s acquisition of an illegitimate title and wealth through violent means, but how this also leads to his eventual execution
• macbeth - “i am in blood”

  ”I am in blood / Stepp’d in so far that should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious” (Act 3)

  • Motif of blood – previously blood was merely on his hand yet now has enclosed his entire body, and by extension his entire sense of being
  • Macbeth’s response to fear and guilt has transitioned from being horrified to indulging further into heinous acts; murder now becomes his means of self-preservation
  • Wade has biblical allusions – metaphorical “wading in blood” exemplifies how he acknowledges his conscience is permanently stained with guilt
  • Similar to Cain in the book of Genesis – commits first murder in Bible
• lady macbeth - “dashed the brains out”

  “Dash’d the brains out” (Act 1)

  • Plosive on “dash’d” creates a brutal sound, mirroring her brutal rejection of motherly instinct.
  • Her proclivity for violence takes precedence over motherhood, leading to her unapologetic willingness to extinguish human life in the relentless pursuit of unchecked violent ambition.
  • Juxtaposition – deliberate contrast between forceful verb “dash’d” and delicate nature of “brain” serves as a poignant symbol reflecting how forgetting undeniable truths of human experience yet ironic as the organ she seeks to destroy in her unborn child becomes the locus of her tragic downfall.
• lady macbeth - taper

  • “(Enters with a taper)” Act 5 – taper provides light - Emblematic of how L.M. is seeking light, hope and solace in her eternal moral darkness.
  • Christian symbolism – light is representative of hope, divine guidance.
  • She is desperate, grasping for solace and a subconscious plea for God’s redemption from the sins that torment her.
  • Need for light is the antithesis to Act 1 where she calls upon the night, wanting darkness to fuel her malevolent plan – “come thick night” – development.
  • Motif of darkness and light reinforces how L.M.’s depraved and dark want for violence consequently causes her desperation to join light and seek salvation.
• macduff - “my voice is my sword”

  “I have no words, my voice is my sword.” (Act 5)

  • Violent metaphor. Macduff contends that the restoration of Scotland, natural order necessitates physical violence.
  • Thus, the initial upheaval brought about by Macbeth’s violent, tyrannical means, mandates a similar force to rectify the disrupted natural order.
  • Macduff is archetype of avenging hero, motivated by revenge but with good intentions.
  • Short sentence reflects the short amount of time that Scotland will live in turmoil – by slewing Macbeth, Scotland can be rightly governed and flourish under divine ordain.
• macduff - “bleed”

  “Blood, blood, poor country.” (Act 4)

  • Macduff laments Scotland, personifying the nation to underscore his profound emotional bond but also reflect a pervasive sense of loss that permeates Scotland.
  • Macduff’s sorrow becomes emblematic of the collective grief of the nation, further highlighting the immoral political upheaval and chaos that has befallen Scotland due to Macbeth’s tyranny and violence.
  • Recurrent motif of blood highlights Macduff’s despair about Scotland’s progressive demise, effectively encapsulating Macbeth’s misanthropic disposition.
  • Macduff’s patriotism emphasises Macbeth’s ruthless indifference to dismantling Scotland but also serves as a compelling juxtaposition to the inherent nobility expected of a noble king.