Betrayal is a central theme in Macbeth

Betrayal is a central theme in Macbeth

1. In the play, betrayal is fuelled by ambition, as being blinded by a power so big that ends up resulting in horrible crimes committed

   • 2 main characters who commit betrayal due to ambition are Mac and Lmac
     • Mac and Lmac ultimately betray themselves as they turn into such vile characters of being that cannot turn back to their natural selves

2. 1st example of betrayal is the previous Thane of Cawdor, who betrayed Kind Duncan

   • Suffers the consequence of being executed, his title is given to Mac
     • Foreshadows the new Thane of Cawdor acts who also turns against KD who has 'absolute trust' in him

3. Betrays his king and breaks the great chain of being

   • Prophecies say that he will be 'king hereafter'
     • Mac acts upon these words because of his 'vaulting ambition'
       • Mac and Lmac betray their guest Duncan by planning on murdering him instead of protecting him
         • Mac seems to have understood why he shouldn't kill KD "I am his subject'
           • Mac seems to know the consequences which come about betraying the king 'shall sleep no more'

4. Lmac betrays her feminine nature

   • calls upon evil spirits to "unsex"
     • Does this in order to have the pure evil in her body to further betray KD and plan out the murder
       • she furthermore betrays her own character as she ends up losing her sanity and cannot turn back
         • starts sleepwalking

5. Because of the witches' prophecies, Mac fears that B is a threat

   • Murders Banquo
     • We could also argue that Macduff betrays his own family by leaving them alone, while he flees to England
       • Then, Macbeth betrays his own nature by murdering Macduffs family

6. Witches first give Mac "fair' prophecies and later 'foul' apparitions covered by an equivocation which lead him to think he is invincible

   • 1. Armed head-symbolizes either Macduffs rebellion or Macbeths fate
     • 2.Bloody child- Macduffs birth by C section
       • 3. Child with crown and tree- Malcolm hiding behind tree when going to attack Macs castle
         • witches betray Mac by not giving him the real truths and leading him to believe a completely diff reality which results in his downfall