Macbeth Essay

Macbeth has universal appeal because it strongly demonstrates how we all make decisions that are influenced by the darkness within human nature. We are faced with choices and decisions everyday, and it is these that reflect who we truly are. In Macbeth, Shakespeare explores the theme of human ambition. The play initially starts with thoughts and influences then later develops into determination and action. Under the influence of power, Macbeth makes decisions that have serious consequences for himself and others around him. Like Lady Macbeth, once on the path of darkness, it is impossible to turn back. Ultimately, his desires and great ambition, his fatal flaw, leads to his downfall. Macbeth also introduces an element of fantasy, which allows us to be mindful of the supernatural dimension and the major influence that this has on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s decision-making. Another theme that is introduced in the text is appearance versus reality. Shakespeare uses various characters and situations to emphasize the confusion between the real and unreal, the genuine and the fake. You see this develop through the disparity between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s words and actions. In Act One these themes develop gradually through a range of different techniques including language, stage directions, settings and plot development. The use of these themes and techniques conveys universally that the decisions we make and how the slightest influence of darkness whether supernatural or natural, reflects who we truly are.

A major theme explored throughout the play is ambition. The desire to achieve higher and higher outbids humanity and reveals the darkness within all. The idea of power overwhelms both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to the point that it’s all they can think about. From the very beginning of Act I the theme of ambition is introduced with the witches prophecies outlined for Macbeth, that drive him to commit crimes that he never would of pursued before. In Act I Scene