Macbeth themes: Good and evil

Macbeth themes: Good and evil

1. 'good' and 'goodness', 'bad', 'ill', 'worse' and 'worst' are repeated through the play

   • inviting the reader to reflect on ideas about good and evil that are clearly portrayed through the action
     • Links to the concepts of salvation and damnation
       • references to 'devil' and 'angel' in the play
         • 'Hell's gate'
           • virtuous Duncan- undeserving victim

2. Evil multiplies in Macbeth

   • '" I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er."
     • Initially after doing the 'deed' he feels guilt- but is soon conquered with evil and the need to kill countless undeserving others to maintain his throne

3. Contrast between Duncan and Macbeth

   • 'King'
   • 'tyrant'
   • Link to the theme of kingship and tyranny
     • Link to the there sleep and sleeplessness
       • 'Chief nourisher in life's feast'
   • Duncan's virtues are compared to 'angels'
     • 'I have begun to plant thee and will labour to make the full of growing'

4. Contrast between Banquo and Macbeth

   • loyal and ever faithful to the king
     • 'My bosom franchised and allegiance clear'
   • Treason and treachery
     • Use of asides- secretive and deceptive
       • 'Thou played'st most foully for it'
         • echo of 'fair is foul and foul is fair'
     • murder
   • Affected totally differently by the prophecies
     • Recognises the dangers of the supernatural
       • 'The instruments of darkness tell us truths..to betray's in deepest consequence'
   • Contrasting language between Banquo and Macbeth
     • Banquo
       • growing imagery
         • 'root and the father of many kings'
           • ' "If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me'
             • 'seeds of Banquo's kings'
         • nourishment and prosperity
           • goodness of Banquo
     • Macbeth
       • 'barren' and 'fruitless'
         • Lack of life- vitality- reflects Macbeth's unhappiness

5. Hidden evil

   • Hidden intention
     • Macbeth flatters Banquo as a valued advisor
       • 'Fail not our feast'
   • links to the theme of appearance and reality