Macbeth key themes

Question 1

What are the key themes in Macbeth?

Answer 1

• Ambition
• Appearance vs. Reality
• Guilt
• Power
• Gender
• Witchcraft

Question 2

Ambition

Answer 2

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer from ambitious thoughts and desires which lead to the consequences they face

Question 3

Appearance vs. Reality

Answer 3

On the surface, Macbeth is a loyal soldier and friend but in actuality he cannot be trusted.

Question 4

Guilt

Answer 4

Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer from the guilt of committing regicide.

Question 5

Power

Answer 5

Macbeth wants power and the witches and Lady Macbeth manipulate him to get power. Additionally, the noble characters (Malcolm and Macduff) fight for power to restore balance and the rule of god.

Question 6

Gender

Answer 6

The patriarchal society is questioned through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship where she manipulates him.

Question 7

Witchcraft

Answer 7

The witches manipulation over Macbeth is dangerous as is the way Lady Macbeth calls on spirits to support Macbeth