Macbeth - created from Mind Map

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Ambition

Macbeths ambition is considered to be his fatal flaw. This is what ultimately leads him to his downfall and self driven insanity. His ambition to be king, and more and more powerful every day, is what leads him to becoming a ruthless and feared "tyrant"

Masculinity

Throughout the play the theme of masculinity comes up often. Lady Macbeth frequently uses the idea of being a "man" as a way to manipulate Macbeth into doing things. Macbeth faces a constant struggle to step and be a "man."

Supernatural

Of course the supernatural is an important part to the play. The witches first influence on Macbeth was the beginning of the end for his mental sanity and his physical being.

Paranoia

Paranoia is one of Macbeths main motives, his constant strive for SAFETY is what drives him to kill as many people as he does

Good vs Bad

Linking with the supernatural theme, good vs bad is a theme throughout the play. Mainly someone's inner good vs bad, for the play we get to watch Macbeth struggle with his inner moral compass and which voice plays louder.

Natural Order

The natural order of kings is very important to the play. Of course the play was written for James , whom was the king considered to have restored the natural order from Edward the confessor. Therefore this play explores this theme all throughout. The idea of the rightful king taking his place on the throne and restoration of peace defiantly plays out.

Children

Children and babies is definitely an underlying theme to the play. The idea of being "barren" is important as it shows perhaps that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are too hostile to bring an innocent child into the world. We also know that Lady Macbeth wishes to nurture evil spirits as though they are her children. Macbeth also has orders sent to kill many children throughout the play and this once again established the idea of killing the innocence

Insanity

The Macbeth family go insane throughout the play, we watch this happen through each act and is definitely an important theme.

Greed

Linking with the theme of ambition, greed is what drives Macbeth do do what he does throughout the play. His constant need for more and more and never being satisfied with what he has achieved leads him to his downfall.

Jealousy

Macbeth's jealousy towards Banquo is what leads him to order his death. When the witches prophecy is told of Banquo's line being king Macbeth grows jealous of his safety and security

Weakness

Not being man enough, not having enough power to go through with something is presented often throughout the play.

Power

Becoming more and more powerful is Macbeths only concern. He becomes power crazy and this drives him to insanity

Fate

What is meant to be will be... this idea is presented often, the idea of pre destined lives and the natural order all link together. The idea that ultimately it doesn't matter what we do what is meant to happen will happen. However in this context we might question that the events that occurred throughout the play would have happened if Macbeth had never met the witches, or did he already have this idea in his head? Were the witches simply bringing out what was already there or trying to create trouble?

Appearance vs reality

What something seems to be may not be what it is. In this play much of what is on the surface is not the full story. Every character has a story which the other characters are un aware of. Especially for Macbeth himself, his inner desires are very much hidden from the rest of the world

Destiny

Linking in with he idea of fate the idea of destiny plays out. Events being pre destined and planned.

Stars

Stars are linked to fate and destiny, the stars watching over everyone, destiny playing out.

Day and night

Much of the bad events seem to occur during night time. This perhaps could suggest that night time is hidden from God, "stars hide your fires" The darkness of nights could be a metaphor for dark souled and dark deeds paying out.

Time

Time is a constant theme throughout the play. "tomorrow," is a constant idea, the unknown of tomorrow.

Fear

The fear the characters have for Macbeth and his "tyrant" ways but also the fear macbeth has for his destiny.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow could perhaps be a metaphor for the unknown, never knowing what is going to happen, this feeds Macbeths fears and paranoia.

morals

Inner conflict

Loyalty

Balance

full circle

Chaos

Consequences

innocence

guilty

Cleanliness

"being clean"

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