Macbeth Themes

The main themes in Macbeth are ambition, trust and deceit, supernatural intervention, and dynastic succession. 

  • The corrupting effects of ambition: Macbeth’s ambition leads him to the throne, but his paranoid obsession with keeping power ultimately leads to his downfall.
  • Trust and deceit: The deceitful Macbeths deviously exploit the good and trusting natures of others to rise to power.
  • Supernatural intervention: The presence of supernatural forces, specifically the mysterious witches, introduce complex questions about the nature of free will and man's capacity for evil.
  • Dynastic succession: The royal lines referenced in Macbeth are connected to King James I, who ruled when Shakespeare wrote the play.

The Corrupting Effects of Ambition

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In his soliloquy at the beginning of act 1, scene 7, Macbeth admits to himself that he has no good reason to murder Duncan. If the king had been oppressive or incompetent, there might have been a patriotic argument for killing and replacing him to benefit Scotland, but Macbeth has no reason to think that he will be a better king than Duncan; indeed, he quickly proves to be much worse.

It is clear from his first entrance that Macbeth is ambitious in a way that his fellow thanes are not. Banquo, for instance, is similar to Macbeth in situation, yet his straightforward honesty in the way he treats those around him—from the witches to King Duncan to his son—renders him a foil for Macbeth’s more duplicitous and corruptible nature. Similarly, Macduff, essentially the hero of the play, has no thoughts of claiming the crown of Scotland for himself after killing Macbeth. Instead, he leaves the throne to Malcolm, who, unlike Macbeth, assumes power out of a sense of duty rather than out of personal ambition. Macbeth’s hunger for glory is personal from the very beginning, and once he overcomes his reservations about killing Duncan, he degenerates into abject tyranny very quickly. He no longer even needs Lady Macbeth to goad him on, and there is no evidence that she is complicit in his later crimes.

Macbeth’s ambition is never satisfied. As soon as he is crowned king of Scotland, he becomes aggrieved that he will not be the founder of a great dynasty, like Banquo. This is something that he clearly knew all along, but once he has achieved his crown, he immediately starts wanting more, even if what he wants is impossible. It quickly becomes clear that Macbeth will never be the type of ruler who, however violently he acts to achieve his ambition, is happy once it is attained. Macbeth is never satisfied, and getting what he wants only ever corrupts him further.

Trust and Deceit

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The dialogue between Malcolm and Macduff in act 4, scene 3 is rather long and is often cut in performance. Read in full, however, the conversation is a masterly study in the initial manoeuvers between two men, each of whom has every reason not to trust the other. Malcolm tells a plethora of outrageous lies to see how Macduff will react and only begins to trust his fellow countryman after observing Macduff’s genuine horror and despair at the appalling picture the prince paints of his own character.

Malcolm has had to learn deceit quickly. When their father Duncan is murdered, Malcolm and Donalbain both realize that one of the thanes around them is likely guilty of the murder, and that they are both in grave danger. They will either be accused of the crime (which is what, in fact, happens) or they will be killed next. There is no one around them whom they can trust, and their only option is to flee. Lady Macduff, abandoned by her husband, is in a similar predicament, except that she has nowhere to go.

The straightforward, trusting nature of such characters as Duncan, Lady Macduff, and Banquo marks them out as victims in a play filled with duplicity. Lady Macbeth is continually urging her husband to be more deceitful, a lesson he seems to have learned quite thoroughly by the end of the play. Even in the midst of his own deceit and treachery, however, Macbeth continues to believe in the witches—despite all obvious clues that they are malicious figures—because he wants to believe what they have told him. It is only immediately before his death that he realizes how they have deceived him. The irony here is that the witches are one of the few characters in the play that are exactly what they seem: hideous and evil. The noble Banquo recognizes this and immediately treats them with contempt. It is only because Macbeth is already somewhat corrupt, even upon his first appearance in the play, that he is willing to place his trust in such obviously malign figures.

Supernatural Intervention in Human Affairs

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The references to Christianity in Macbeth are few and superficial. Almost as an afterthought, Macbeth mentions that by killing the king he has forfeited his soul “to the common enemy of man.” Other supernatural influences abound, however, and their origin is always mysterious. Whereas Old King Hamlet’s ghost from Shakespeare’s Hamlet is very precise about how and why he has returned to earth, Banquo’s ghost does not even speak. The source of the spirits that Lady Macbeth summons to unsex her and fill her with cruelty is similarly vague. Even the witches seem to come out of nowhere, and the revelation in act 3 scene 5 that they are in the service of Hecate, Greek goddess of sorcery and necromancy, does not do much to explain their mysterious motives or origin.

Macbeth is a play in which God appears to be largely absent. It’s not clear that the spiritual “assistance” of the witches comes from Satan, but the supernatural in Macbeth is always untrustworthy—its origins suspicious and murky and its objectives equally obscure. Macduff and Malcolm eventually triumph by purely physical, explicable means, and the supernatural allies who assisted Macbeth and then deserted him seem to have had no motive beyond that of causing trouble and sowing chaos. Of interest to many readers of Macbeth is the question of free will, and to what extent Macbeth’s crimes are the result of his own ambition versus the witches’ manipulations. In this regard, the play is open to multiple interpretations. Macbeth can be characterized as a victim of supernatural intervention if it is assumed that seizing the throne would not have occurred to him without the witches’ prophecy. It can also be argued, however, that the witches’ prophecies aren’t evil in and of themselves. The witches merely state what will come to pass; they offer no insight or instruction on how this future might be achieved. Thus, Macbeth can also be held responsible for interpreting and acting on the prophecy in the way that he does.

Dynastic Succession

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In act 1, scene 4, Duncan makes the succession clear when he names Malcolm as Prince of Cumberland. Primogeniture, the system by which the eldest son of the king becomes the next king, is not automatic in this society, and if Malcolm had been unsuited to rule, Duncan could have chosen another successor, such as Macbeth.

Macbeth has no children and neither has Malcolm. The witches make it clear more than once that the eventual heir to the throne will come from Banquo’s line, likely starting with his son, Fleance. As soon as he has achieved his ambition to be king, Macbeth becomes incensed that he has committed treason and regicide in order to “make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!” Although he knew perfectly well that this was what he doing when he did it, Macbeth’s periodic rage that his reign will be “fruitless” and “barren” shows the importance of the dynastic line. James VI of Scotland, who had recently become James I of England when Macbeth was written, believed that he could trace his ancestry back to Fleance and Banquo, making this particular line of succession highly consequential for the play’s original audience, who would have seen it as further confirmation of their king’s right to the throne.

Ambition

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In Macbeth, ambition is a central theme that drives the play's action and leads to the downfall of its main characters. Macbeth's ambition is ignited by the witches' prophecy that he will become king, and it is further fueled by Lady Macbeth's encouragement. This unchecked ambition ultimately leads to a series of tragic events, including murder, madness, and death. Shakespeare explores the destructive nature of ambition and its ability to corrupt individuals and disrupt the natural order.

Macbeth's ambition is evident from the moment he hears the witches' prophecy. Initially, he is hesitant to act on his desires, but Lady Macbeth's manipulation convinces him to murder King Duncan. Her advice to "

Look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under it.
" highlights the deceit and treachery that ambition can breed. Once Macbeth commits regicide, he is set on a path of moral decay, becoming increasingly ruthless and paranoid to maintain his power.

The consequences of Macbeth's ambition are far-reaching. His initial internal conflict over killing Duncan quickly dissipates, and he becomes desensitized to violence and treachery. Macbeth's ambition blinds him to the moral implications of his actions, leading him to murder Banquo and Macduff's family. His ambition transforms him from a noble warrior into a tyrant, illustrating how unchecked ambition can lead to one's downfall.

Lady Macbeth's ambition is equally destructive. She is initially the more ambitious of the two, urging Macbeth to seize the throne. However, her ambition leads to overwhelming guilt and madness. Her descent into madness and eventual suicide underscore the psychological toll of unchecked ambition. Her earlier resolve crumbles under the weight of their crimes, demonstrating how ambition can consume and destroy.

Ultimately, the theme of ambition in Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desires. The play suggests that ambition, when not tempered by moral considerations, leads to chaos and destruction. Macbeth's tragic end, marked by his famous soliloquy "

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
," reveals the futility and emptiness of his ambitions. Shakespeare's portrayal of ambition in Macbeth warns of its potential to corrupt and destroy lives.

Guilt

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Guilt is a central theme in Shakespeare's Macbeth, manifesting as a driving force that shapes the characters' actions and mental states. The play explores how guilt affects both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, leading to their ultimate downfall. Through vivid imagery and dramatic encounters, Shakespeare illustrates the pervasive and destructive nature of guilt.

In Act 3, Scene 4, Macbeth's guilt is vividly portrayed during the banquet scene when he sees Banquo's ghost. This apparition is a manifestation of Macbeth's guilt over ordering Banquo's murder. The ghost's presence causes Macbeth to act irrationally, shouting at an empty chair and revealing his inner turmoil to the guests. Macbeth's denial of responsibility is evident when he says, "Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me." This encounter highlights how guilt haunts Macbeth, driving him to madness and paranoia.

Shakespeare uses blood imagery to symbolize guilt throughout the play. After killing King Duncan, Macbeth laments that not even "all great Neptune’s ocean" can wash the blood from his hands, indicating the indelible nature of his guilt. Lady Macbeth also succumbs to guilt, famously trying to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands, crying, "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" This imagery underscores the psychological torment both characters endure as a result of their actions.

The theme of guilt is further emphasized through Macbeth's reflection on his murderous deeds. He acknowledges that "blood will have blood," suggesting that his crimes will inevitably lead to retribution. This realization contributes to his growing paranoia and fear, as he becomes increasingly aware of the consequences of his ambition and treachery.

Personification and figurative language intensify the theme of guilt. Macbeth personifies sleep as something he has "murdered," indicating his loss of peace and innocence. The play's rich imagery and symbolism serve to highlight the characters' internal struggles and the inescapable nature of their guilt. Ultimately, guilt drives the narrative of Macbeth, leading to the unraveling of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as they are consumed by the consequences of their actions.

Fate

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The theme of fate in Macbeth explores the tension between destiny and free will. Shakespeare presents fate as a powerful force that influences the characters' actions, yet he also emphasizes the role of personal choice. The witches' prophecies spark Macbeth's ambition, suggesting a predetermined path. However, Macbeth's decisions reveal his exercise of free will, leading to his tragic downfall. The play examines how belief in fate can drive individuals to justify their actions, ultimately questioning whether destiny or choice shapes one's life.

Macbeth's encounter with the witches introduces the idea of fate. Their prophecies predict his rise to power, leading him to believe that destiny will crown him king. Yet, Macbeth's subsequent actions contradict this belief. He chooses to murder Duncan, driven by ambition and the desire to control his fate. This decision marks the beginning of his moral corruption, as he attempts to force the prophecy's fulfillment. Shakespeare illustrates that while fate presents opportunities, it is Macbeth's choices that propel him toward ruin.

Lady Macbeth also grapples with the concept of fate. Upon learning of the witches' predictions, she believes that fate and supernatural forces have destined Macbeth for kingship. However, she recognizes the need for action to achieve this destiny. Her determination to "pour my spirits in thine ear" and manipulate Macbeth underscores the interplay between fate and free will. Lady Macbeth's influence highlights how human intervention can alter the course of fate, suggesting that destiny is not fixed but shaped by personal choices.

The witches' role further complicates the theme of fate. Their line, "By the pricking of my thumbs / Something wicked this way comes," suggests an awareness of Macbeth's inherent wickedness. This raises questions about whether Macbeth's downfall is fated or a result of his own nature. The witches' prophecies set events in motion, but it is Macbeth's free will that leads him to embrace his darker impulses. Shakespeare uses the witches to explore the ambiguity of fate, leaving the audience to ponder whether Macbeth's tragic end was inevitable or self-inflicted.

Ultimately, Macbeth presents fate as a complex force intertwined with free will. While the prophecies suggest a predetermined path, it is Macbeth's choices that drive the play's tragic events. Shakespeare challenges the notion of fate as an all-powerful force, instead highlighting the consequences of human actions. The theme of fate in Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the moral implications of attempting to control one's destiny.

Appearance vs. Reality

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In Macbeth, the theme of appearance versus reality is central to the play's narrative. Characters and events often present a deceptive facade, masking darker truths. This theme is introduced by the witches' paradoxical phrase, "fair is foul, and foul is fair," suggesting that what seems good is actually bad, and vice versa. Throughout the play, Macbeth and other characters grapple with the difference between how things appear and their true nature, leading to tragic consequences.

Macbeth, initially respected and seen as honorable, hides his ambition and treachery behind a facade of loyalty. He plans King Duncan's murder while appearing to be his loyal subject. Macbeth himself acknowledges this duplicity, stating, "False face must hide what the false heart doth know." This line underscores the theme, as Macbeth's outward appearance contrasts sharply with his inner intentions.

The witches' prophecies are another example of appearance versus reality. They predict Macbeth's rise to power, which seems promising, but ultimately leads to his downfall. The prophecies give Macbeth a false sense of security, as he misinterprets their true nature. The witches' words, "And be these juggling fiends no more believed, That palter with us in a double sense," reveal their deceptive nature, as they present half-truths that mislead Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth also embodies this theme. She appears to be a gracious hostess to Duncan, yet she harbors murderous intentions. Her outward demeanor hides her true ambition and ruthlessness. Similarly, King Duncan's arrival at Macbeth's castle is marked by dramatic irony. He comments on the pleasantness of the castle, unaware of the deadly plot against him, "This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses." This highlights the gap between appearance and reality, as Duncan is deceived by the outward appearance of hospitality.

The theme of appearance versus reality culminates in Macbeth's downfall. The witches' final predictions, which seem to assure Macbeth's invincibility, are revealed to be misleading. Macbeth learns too late that "none of woman born" does not include Macduff, who was "from his mother's womb untimely ripped." The illusion of safety is shattered, and Macbeth's reliance on appearances leads to his demise.

Prophecy

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In Macbeth, prophecy is a central theme that drives the plot and influences the characters' actions. The prophecies given by the Three Witches set Macbeth on a path of ambition and destruction. These supernatural predictions create a sense of inevitability and fate, yet they also reveal the characters' free will and moral choices. The prophecies are both a catalyst for Macbeth's rise to power and a harbinger of his downfall, illustrating the complex interplay between destiny and personal agency.

The first set of prophecies is given to Macbeth and Banquo in Act 1. The witches predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king. They also tell Banquo that he will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater," and that his descendants will be kings. These predictions ignite Macbeth's ambition and lead him to murder King Duncan to fulfill his destiny. The prophecy's fulfillment seems inevitable, yet it is Macbeth's own actions that bring it to fruition. The witches' words are ambiguous and open to interpretation, reflecting the theme of equivocation and the deceptive nature of appearances.

In Act 4, Macbeth seeks out the witches again, receiving a second set of prophecies. These include warnings to beware Macduff, assurances that no man born of a woman will harm him, and that he will remain unchallenged until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. These cryptic messages give Macbeth a false sense of security. He misinterprets them, believing himself invincible, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The prophecies are self-fulfilling, as Macbeth's actions to secure his power only hasten his demise.

Banquo's soliloquy in Act 3 reveals his suspicion of Macbeth and his belief in the witches' prophecies. He acknowledges that Macbeth's prophecy has come true and contemplates the possibility of his own descendants becoming kings. Banquo's awareness of the prophecies adds tension to the play, as it highlights the threat his lineage poses to Macbeth. Although Banquo is murdered, his son Fleance escapes, leaving the prophecy's ultimate fulfillment open-ended. Historically, Fleance is considered an ancestor of King James I, suggesting a nod to the Stuart dynasty's legitimacy.

The theme of prophecy in Macbeth underscores the tension between fate and free will. The witches' predictions set the stage for the characters' actions, but it is their choices that determine the outcome. Prophecy serves as a motif that intertwines with themes of ambition, power, and moral corruption, ultimately leading to tragedy. The play explores the consequences of trying to control destiny and the dangers of interpreting prophecy to justify one's actions.

Good vs. Evil

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In Macbeth, the theme of good versus evil is central, depicted through the internal and external struggles of characters. Macbeth, initially portrayed as valiant and honorable, becomes consumed by ambition and the influence of the witches and Lady Macbeth, leading to his moral downfall. Despite the dominance of evil throughout the play, symbolized by the witches and Macbeth's tyrannical reign, good ultimately prevails with Malcolm's rightful ascension to the throne. Shakespeare suggests that while evil is potent, it does not triumph over good.

Evil in Macbeth is best illustrated by the actions of the three witches, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the assassins hired by Macbeth. In contrast, good is depicted by King Duncan, Malcolm, Banquo, Macduff, Lady Macduff, and King Edward of England. Ironically, Macbeth, who becomes the epitome of evil, is initially depicted as good and honorable. An injured sergeant's report of him at the beginning of the play speaks of a courageous general:

For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name--
Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel,
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valour's minion carved out his passage...

Macbeth's ambition, spurred by the witches' predictions and Lady Macbeth's urging, turns him into a bloodthirsty tyrant. He and his wife plot the king's assassination and murder him in his sleep. This act sets him off on a journey of vile evil. Once crowned, he becomes paranoid and destroys anyone he deems a threat, including his best friend, Banquo, and Macduff's entire family.

Lady Macbeth initially appears more evil, urging her husband to carry through their plot. Her perfidy is illustrated in Act 1, scene 3:

I have given suck, and know
How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me:
I would, while it was smiling in my face,
Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums,
And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you
Have done to this.

Ultimately, she is destroyed by remorse, tortured by visions of their crime, and commits suicide. Macbeth, believing himself invincible due to the witches' predictions, meets his doom at the hands of Macduff, who was "from his mother's womb untimely ripped."

The witches take pleasure in Macbeth's ruin, using paradox and equivocation to confuse him. Their predictions empower him to commit further evils. The forces of good, led by Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff, eventually defeat Macbeth. His decapitated head is displayed, and Malcolm becomes the new king of Scotland, marking the triumph of good over evil.

Supernatural

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The theme of the supernatural is a central element in Macbeth, influencing the characters and the plot. The supernatural elements in the play include the three witches, Banquo's ghost, and the apparitions. These elements create a sense of foreboding and highlight the unnatural events that occur as a result of Macbeth's ambition and treachery.

The witches are the most prominent supernatural figures in the play. They set the plot in motion by prophesying that Macbeth will become king. Their presence establishes a dark and ominous tone from the very beginning. The witches' prophecies tempt Macbeth, leading him to murder King Duncan and seize the throne. The supernatural influence of the witches suggests that Macbeth's actions are preordained, yet his ambition drives him to fulfill these prophecies.

The supernatural theme is further emphasized by the unnatural events that follow Duncan's murder. In Act 2, Scene 4, the Old Man and Ross discuss the strange occurrences in nature, such as a falcon being killed by an owl and Duncan's horses eating each other. These events symbolize the disruption of the natural order caused by Macbeth's regicide. The Old Man's remarks highlight the chaos and moral decay that ensue, reinforcing the supernatural atmosphere of the play.

Banquo's ghost is another supernatural element that haunts Macbeth. During a banquet, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo, whom he had murdered to secure his throne. This apparition reflects Macbeth's guilt and fear, as well as the consequences of his ambition. The ghost's presence serves as a reminder of the moral corruption that has taken hold of Macbeth's soul.

The supernatural elements in Macbeth not only drive the plot but also underscore the themes of ambition, fate, and the disruption of the natural order. The witches, the unnatural events, and Banquo's ghost all contribute to the play's dark and foreboding atmosphere, highlighting the tragic consequences of Macbeth's actions.

Expert Q&A

What does this quote from Macbeth mean: "Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair, And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?"

4 Educator Answers

What is the significance of the quote "Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark," in Macbeth?

2 Educator Answers

What does Macbeth mean by "Stars hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires. / The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be / What the eye fears, when it is done, to see" in Macbeth?

"Stars hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires. / The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be / What the eye fears, when it is done, to see."

7 Educator Answers

What is the meaning of the quote "We have scorched the snake, not killed it" in Macbeth?

We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd it.

She'll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice

Remains in danger of her former tooth. (Act 3, Scene 2)

1 Educator Answer

Analyze the line "will all great Neptune's ocean . . ." in Macbeth.

1 Educator Answer

Significance of the Banquet Scene in Macbeth

4 Educator Answers

Explanation and analysis of the quote "To prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th'other" from Macbeth

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How does the porter's statement about drink being an equivocator relate to Macbeth's situation?

2 Educator Answers

What is the significance of this quote from Macbeth in terms of theme and making connections?

"No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive / Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death, / And with his former title greet Macbeth."

1 Educator Answer

What does "there's daggers in men's smiles" mean in Macbeth?

5 Educator Answers

The theme of suspicion in Macbeth

2 Educator Answers

The theme "Things are not always what they seem" in Macbeth

4 Educator Answers

The meaning and significance of the line "He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust. O worthiest cousin!" in Macbeth

3 Educator Answers

The significance of doubles and duplicity in Macbeth

4 Educator Answers

The depiction of betrayal in Macbeth, especially through Duncan's murder scenes

2 Educator Answers

What does the line "A dagger of the mind, a false creation, proceeding for the heat oppressed brain" mean in Macbeth?

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What does "supernatural soliciting" mean and how can it not be ill, according to Macbeth?

1 Educator Answer

In Macbeth, why are the witches considered the most powerful characters?

2 Educator Answers

What messages does Macbeth receive from the three apparitions in Macbeth?

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Unnatural events in Macbeth following Duncan's murder that reflect the disrupted order

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The fulfillment of the witches' prophecies in Act 5 of Macbeth

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Clarification of the phrase "not of woman born" in Macbeth

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The significance of starting "Macbeth" with the witches

6 Educator Answers

Why does Malcolm describe his restoration as "new planting" in Macbeth?

2 Educator Answers

In Macbeth, how is the natural, moral order and social hierarchy restored?

1 Educator Answer

Banquo's lineage and its impact on the succession of the throne

1 Educator Answer

Qualities that make Duncan and Macbeth fit for the role of a king in Macbeth

5 Educator Answers

The impact of Duncan's sons fleeing on Macbeth

2 Educator Answers

The theme and significance of kingship in Macbeth

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The significance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland

3 Educator Answers

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