Macbeth as a play

Macbeth as a play

1. One of Shakespeare's best known play

   • Still strikes a chord with modern audiences
     • Blood thirsty tale of ambition
       • Evils we will go to get what we want

2. Central character of Macbeth

   • He plots and kills to become and stay king

3. Act 1 - the witches begin their manipulation of Macbeth. The first hints of treachery begin.

   • Act 2 - Lady Macbeth bullies Macbeth into committing the murder of Duncan, he immediately regrets what he's done. This is where we can see Lady M being a puppeteer.
     • Macbeth begins to eliminate those he believe threaten his position. We can see him beocoming more ruthless
       • Macbeth arranges the murder of Macduff's Family. This act now revolves around assassination.
         • Macbeth is beheaded by Macduff after their lengthy duel. Justice has now been served.

4. Themes

   • Ambition
     • Within Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Ambition leads them to evil. Makes Macbeth stronger but destroys his wife
   • Supernatural
     • The idea that mysterious forces are controlling events. The witches prophecy drives the story forward. Was taken seriously in jacobean times.
   • Reality and appearance
     • The contrast between what is real and its appearance. The dagger scene is a perfect example.
   • Loyalty and guilt
     • Duncan values loyalty to the point he is almost gullible. (his Hamartia?) Shakespeare uses it as a dramatic device.