The Themes Of Ambition In Shakespeares Macbeth - 853 Words

There are many different themes displayed in Shakespeares famous play Macbeth. Many of these themes play with nature, the supernatural, and fate. From ghosts to horses eating each other the play uses symbolism, language, and characters to portray these themes. During the play the audience learns of several themes such as ambition, guilt, fate versus free will, nature versus the unnatural, and how things are not always as they seem. Anyone who has read or seen Macbeth knows that his great undoing was his ambition. Ambition was the driving force for most of his actions. When Macbeth first hears the prophecy that he will become king his head is flooded with thoughts of killing Duncan to usurp his thrown. It was his ambition that led him to†¦show more content†¦Macduff is also a character that deals with guilt. He is guilty of leaving his entire family behind in Scotland which is eventually why they are killed. He uses this guilt to drive him to bring Macbeth down. If Macduff would have thought to bring his wife and children they wouldnt have died. This shows that every action has consequences and those consequences must be taken into consideration. Another theme shown through the play is that things are not always as they seem. In the play things are often not as they seem. Often characters mislead each other or misinterpret information. In the play Macbeth says to Lady Macbeth Go now, and pretend to be a friendly hostess. Hide with a false pleasant face what you know in your false, evil heart.(I.vii.81-82) They are talking about misleading Duncan into a false sense of security when in reality they are planning to kill him in his sleep. Also, one of the apparitions told Macbeth to not fear anyone who was born from a woman. This lead him to underestimate Macduff who was born via C-section. This teaches the audience that we cant always trust what we see or here. Fate versus free will is a huge theme in the play Macbeth. It is Macbeths fate that leads his free will to act the way he does. When the witches say All hail Macbeth the future king (I.iii.51) it leads Macbeth down a road of death and self-destruction. If Macbeth hadnt knownShow MoreRelatedMacbeth Themes899 Words   |  4 Pages â€Å"What are the major themes in Macbeth† By Connor Maguire William Shakespeare’s Macbeth a play complete with many themes and viewpoints. The themes are exhibited by the main characters of the play, notably antagonist Macbeth. Themes seen in the play include ambition, where is is portrayed as both dangerous and unnatural. However, it does exist in both good and evil forms in the play. Another theme seen is whether Macbeths actions in the play are a result of fate, or free will. 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