English lit

• Tragic hero


  A protagonist with a fatal flaw that eventually leads to their downfall. In Macbeth is a tragic hero whose ambition and thirst for power ultimately result in his demise.
• Aside


  A brief remark made by a character to the audience or another character on stage, not intended to be heard by all the characters. Asides provide insight into a character's true thoughts or motivations.
• Foreshadowing


  The use of hints or clues to suggest future events in a narrative. For instance, the witches' prophecies and Macbeth's reaction to them foreshadow the tragic events that unfold later in the play.
• Machiavellian politics

  • Embodies Machiavellian principles of manipulation, deceit, and ruthlessness in pursuit of power. Shakespeare's depictions of political intrigue and ambition reflects renaissance notions of power
• Social hierarchies

  • Explores themes of social order and hierarchy, with characters navigating their positions within a rigid social structure. The disruption caused by macbeth's ascent to power underscores tensions surrounding class, status, ambition
• Catholic-Protestant conflict 


  England was embroiled in religious tensions between catholics and protestants during shakespeare's era. The plays themes of guilt , redemption and divine justice may reflect broader religious concerns of the time.